Rev. James O. Harper

January 21, 2018 Rev. James Otis Harper, age 60 of 4229 Jonesville-Lockhart Hwy., Union, passed away January 18, 2018 at his home. Rev. Harper was born in Charleston, April 14, 1957, a son of Lois Watts Harper Vaught of Conway and the late Rev. Dr. Claude Richard Harper. He was a graduate of A.C. Flora High School and continued his studies by receiving an associate degree from Spartanburg Methodist College and a bachelors degree from Wofford College. He was a graduate of Emory University, Candler School of Theology receiving a Masters of Divinity degree. He was a retired Methodist minister having pastored churches throughout South Carolina for over 35 years and was currently serving at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church and Lockhart United Methodist Church. Rev. Harper was an ordained Elder in the S.C. United Methodist Conference. He enjoyed the low country beaches and the seafood of the area. Surviving in addition to his mother are a daughter, Vicky Harper of Rock Hill; a son, Johnny Harper and wife Sammy of Tega Cay and their mother, Gail Harper of Rock Hill; three sisters, Rev. Susan Harper of Cleveland, TN, Sally H. Thompson of Little River, and Joanie Harper of Irving, TX; a brother, Rev. William N. Harper and wife Tracy of Orangeburg and a granddaughter, Eliza Harper of Tega Cay. Rev. Harper was predeceased by a brother, Claude Richard Harper, Jr. A celebration of life service will be held 5:00 PM Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. William N. Harper and Rev. Meredith Dark. Ministers of the S.C. United Methodist Conference, Rev. David Smith, Pat Cely and David Reed are asked to serve as the honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 4:00 until 5:00 PM Tuesday at the church prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Epworth Children's Home, 2900 Millwood Ave., Columbia, SC 29205 or to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 373 Wesley Chapel Rd., Union, SC 29379 or to Lockhart United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 127, Lockhart, SC 29364.