James Benton Harper

James Passed away on Friday, June 26, 2015, following a long stay at Mayers Memorial Hospital’s Long Term Care Facility.

Born May 11, 1937 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Charley Marcum Harper and Mollie Winegar Harper of the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. He had 10 siblings. He is survived by his sister, Maggie Aylene Silva of Modesto, CA and Barbara Smith of Texas, and a brother, Jimmey Dale Harper of Lookout, CA.

James married Wilma Jackson, who preceded him in death. They had 3 children, Jeffery Marcum Harper and Cindy Sandlin of Chowchilla, CA and Brannon Harper of Arkansas. There are many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In 1977, James married Esther Rushing, his ex-wife and longtime companion. They were together the best of 39 years.

James was a truck driver until his retirement. He loved fishing. He will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial donations to Mayers Memorial Hospital Long Term Care in Fall River Mills, California.