Jay Harper
December 5, 1973 ~ September 10, 2021
Born in:
Commerce , Texas
Resided in:
Bryan, Texas
Jay Harper was born December 5, 1973, in Commerce, Texas. After a family relocation to San Antonio, he attended St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, where he earned the title ‘class disruptor.’ But when asked a random question by an interviewer for Trinity University’s program for gifted and talented children, Jay’s answer gained him instant acceptance. After graduating from St. Gregory’s, Jay entered Madisonville High School, where he was active in sports, especially basketball, which he called his favorite sport “by far.” He loved animals and was an excellent roper. Later in life, his passions included chess, golf, and gun collecting.
He studied business management and marketing at Blinn College before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. Airman 1st Class Harper trained as an electro-environmental journeyman and was assigned to the KC 135 Air Refueler flightline.
Jay began his 19-year career in the car business in 1996 and over the years worked for several dealerships, progressing quickly from sales to management. During his tenure as General Manager at Lithia Motors, awards received included the Circle of Champions “Top Customer Service Index,” “Most Improved Store” (out of 88 nationwide), and “Top Performing General Manager.” He appeared in local Lithia commercials and established a partnership with Texas A&M University, hosting corporate tailgate parties.
Jay left the auto industry in 2015 to pursue a career in commercial construction. For several years, he was site superintendent for big box store remodels. Later, as an independent contractor, he performed commercial and residential remodeling and storm repair. His ability to identify with others and pinpoint client needs earned him much repeat business.
Jay was known always for his forgiving spirit and his strong faith.
Jay is survived by his children, Morghen and Tucker Harper, who were his life; his mother Lorna Wilson; father Billy Harper (wife Terry); uncle Tommy Harper; stepmother Sally Harper; sister Heather Harper Ellett (husband Bryan and nephew Emerson); sister Wallis Wilson (niece Hannah); and many loving cousins.
He was preceded in death by his beloved great-grandmother Lillian Symms, beloved stepfather Ronald Tucker Wilson, uncle Jimmy Harper, paternal grandparents Hugo Harper and Joyce (Isom) Harper, and maternal grandparents Albert Thorn and Hannah Thorn.
Jay was extremely close to his great-grandmother Lillian, and the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Peach Creek Cemetery, PO Box 6826, Bryan, Texas, where she is buried.
Given the rapid rise of Covid-19 cases in the area, social distancing and/or mask wearing will be required at the service. Masks will be provided.
Services
Graveside Service: September 30, 2021 11:00 am
Peach Creek Cemetery
Peach Creek Road
College Station, Texas 77845
979-822-3717
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2021-09-30 11:00:00
2021-09-30 11:00:00
JayHarperGraveside Service
Graveside Service
Peach Creek Road,College Station, Texas 77845
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“Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Thank you so much, Charmaine, for your concern and prayers. I know you and Jay would have gotten on well together if you had met. God bless you.
RIP JAY! Prayers for your family! Fly high classmate
Very sorry to hear about Jay’s passing. He was always the class clown, and boy did he make us laugh. It makes me smile to think about all the memories from high school and how Jay entertained us with his wit and dry sense of humor.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
My most sincere condolences to Jay’s family. I’m sure he is in a better place now, but I know that doesn’t make the loss of his physical presence any easier. May God comfort you in your time of loss.
Brad, Misty, Alexis & Cullen
Billy & Terry,
Gordon and I want you to know you are both in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Jay will be greatly missed by so many.
God bless you, Lorna. My thoughts are with you.
Lorna, I am so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. May he rest in eternal peace. God bless and comfort you all. My sincerest condolences to you and entire family.
Dear Lorna, Wallis, Hannah and family and friends of my beloved godson, Jay,
It’s with a heavy heart that I send you my prayers for The Lord to console you all in the passing of such a kind, gentle, compassionate, and thoughtful young man.
I became Jay’s godmother when he became Catholic as a young boy. Through the years as Jay and Wallis attended St. Gregory the Great Catholic school, Jay’s love for the faith grew closer to his heart. In his adulthood, Jay relocated several times and we only got to visit whenever he came to San Antonio. In all our talks Jay’s gentleness and politeness showed me that Jesus was still very strong in his heart. You are truly a child of God, Jay. And may Our loving Savior welcome you into His arms to rejoice in His presence forever and ever.
Love you, Jay, till we meet again.❤️
Your forever godmother, Sylvia Alvarado.❤️✝️❤️
Beloved,
Your loss is unimaginable. I sit here at my computer and look up and see a darling photo of little boy Jay with little sister Wallis. I’m comforted looking at this photo. It was a time when the best treats were relaxation in the big black modern lounging chair with the two loving siblings cozy, next to each other.
One thing for sure, Jay loved his little sister. Although separated by circumstance and distance, I’m sure that adoration never left him. He was warm, with a great smile and a playful heart.
Although I didn’t get to see Jay in his adult years, I did get to be with Tucker and Morghen, his delightful children. Such a blessing for Jay to have experienced fatherhood with these two special children. I pray for them the most.
Years ago, when Lorna and Ronnie Wilson were standing at the alter to wed, little Jay decided that the church’s banner rails enclosing the pulpit presented the perfect jungle gym. As Lorna and Ronnie exchanged vows of holy matrimony, just to the right of the pastor, Jay performed flips over the “monkey bars”. He stole the show . I always loved that no one tried to stop him.
He will be missed by his family but you will see him again. It’s promised.
Love to you all.
I remember going to dinner with you, Jay, Sylvia, and my husband Ron. We all enjoyed our Mexican dinner and conversation. I think you were proud that night for us to meet your son, Jay. I will always remember him. May our loving Lord hold you close and may our Mother Mary comfort you as she understands what it’s like to loose a son. Love and prayers always.
Our hearts are grieving with you. Our sincerest condolences to you and the family for the loss of your brother. Sending you the warmest hug imaginable.
Love always,
The Davids
HHE,
Thinking of you today.
Rick
I never met Jay, but am a close friend of Heather’s. If he was anything like her, he was brilliant, funny, and filled up the room wherever he went. I lost a brother, and know that it feels as though you have a hole in your heart that will never be filled. May your family and his friends continue to share stories about him—laugh and love all that he was. It will keep him in your presence and his memory alive. Love to all.
Oh my goodness, I just can’t believe this. This explains why we haven’t been able to get ahold of him. Oh, I am so heartbroken. Sending lots of prayers to all of the family!