Service Details

Jimi was cremated per his request. Services will be announced at a later date, so just smile and have a shot of Jameson while you wait!

Funeral Company

Neptune Society, 3801 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70065

The Story

James “Jimi” Harper, the man, the myth, the legend, but most of all
“HOLLYWOOD!” Jimi was born in 1947 in Selma, AL to Geraldine and James
Reynolds Harper, Sr. He “grew up” mostly in Birmingham, and graduated
from Banks High School in 1966. (Jimi never really grew up.) He
started at Auburn University in Auburn, AL with a wrestling
scholarship, transferred, and received his B.S. in Business
Administration in 1972. He married Barbara Jones in 1973, and they
stayed married for nearly 30 years. After serving in the U.S. Army
from 1979-1983, he eventually settled in Fort Walton Beach, FL and
raised their two children there. Jimi had many careers over the years
in advertising/marketing, and later with adults who have developmental
disabilities. In 2012, he came up with what would be his best idea
ever! Besides having children, of course. He packed his things and
moved to New Orleans, LA! Jimi always loved spontaneity and
adventure, and what better place for this than the Big Easy? He
seemed to have finally found his true calling there living in the
French Quarter working as an actor/movie extra. Jimi had the time of
his life living there and took full advantage of what the city has to
offer. He made many friends and surrounded himself with eclectic
people like himself. He was a most lively man who filled the room
with his presence. To say that he will be missed seems incredibly
cliché and dull, which was never him. His big, bright light has been
extinguished, but he lives on in our hearts through his family and
friends, but most of all through his fantastic stories. He is
survived by his parents, James and Sallie Harper of Dothan, AL; his
daughter and son in law, Melanie and Josh Mickey of Jacksonville, FL;
son and daughter in law, Jay and Amanda Harper of Panama City, FL;
sisters, Gerry Anne Woodward of Ocean Springs, MS and Debbie Hurst of
Huntsville, AL; brothers John Harper of Marietta, GA, Larry Harper of
Panama City, FL and Kevin Harper of Destin, FL; and his adoring
grandchildren Evan, Griffin, Yanni, Rica, and Sofia. Celebrations of
his amazing life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of
flowers and other gestures of sympathy, grab at least one friend, pour
a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey for each, and yell Woo as you swig!