Obituary of Jimmie Harper

Jimmie Leon Harper was born on February 3, 1947 in Whitley County, Tennessee. Jimmie was one of seven children from the union of the late Elmer Harper and the late Edith (Seals) Harper. While in high school he was a three sport athlete; lettering in track, football, and basketball. Jimmie was a 1966 graduate of Erie Mason High School. He worked for General Motors Corporation for more than thirty-four years. Jimmie was employed at the Toledo Hydramatic plant as a Hi-Lo Driver, retiring in 2000. Jimmie married the former Penny Waterfield on September 3, 1987 in Toledo, Ohio. He enjoyed working with his hands. There were always projects at the Harper home whether Jimmy was building additions, decks, or just the fact that he enjoyed tending to his yard and garden. Jimmie, known as Pippie to his grandchildren looked forward everyday to spending time with them, teaching them new things and telling them stories. He also loved to give them rides on his motorcycle and scooters. Playing basketball, football and other sports was how Pippie spent his time with his grandkids. Jimmie was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Jimmie Leon Harper age 62 of LaSalle was called home at 9:03am, Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the Arbor Hospice Residence in Ann Arbor. He had fought a valiant fight with Appendiceal cancer the past four years. In addition to his parents passing he was preceded by a brother: Roger and a sister: Betty. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of twenty-two years: Penny of LaSalle; three stepchildren: Mike (Shanna) Marlow of Newport, Joe Bissell and Julie Marlow of Erie, and Randy (Sonya) Marlow of Monroe; one sister: Sue (Jim) Sancrant of LaSalle; three brothers: Billy (Jackie) Sellers of Toledo, Larry (Georgia) Harper of LaSalle, and Tony Harper of LaSalle; five grandchildren: Austin, Joshua, Jacob, Dane, and Addyson; and a host of nieces and nephews. Friends may gather from 1:00-8:00pm, Monday, January 4, 2010 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state on Tuesday, January 5, from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Kenneth Spain Associate Pastor of the church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park for burial. Memorial donations are suggested to the family to establish a trust for his grandchildren. Online words of inspiration and comfort can be made at www.merklefuneralservice.com; Life Stories page.