Hammond High School

James (also known as Jim or Jamie) Leslie Harper was born on July 18, 1930, in Hammond, Indiana.  He passed away on February 27, 2018, at the age of 87 surrounded by his family in Gary, Indiana.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Joritha (known affectionately as Nee) Walker of East Chicago,

During his time at Hammond High School he was a two-time state champion in the high jump, with a best of 6-2 5/8.   Harper attended Indiana University and in 1951 was the Big Ten indoor and outdoor champion.  Because of his amazing talent in basketball and track and field, he was honored by being inducted into the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 along with his older brother Estell Harper, who was recognized a short time earlier. 

He credited his mother and father for wanting him to go to college and be the best he could be.  Upon graduation he entered into the United States Army where he was named the All France Champion in 1955-56 and placed second in the All Europe Championships in 1954-55.

James was always interested in improving his community and dedicated the remainder of his career to education.  He spent 40 years with the Chicago Public Schools at John Fiske Elementary serving as a teacher for 20 years and the remaining 20 years as an assistant p rincipal.  He was always proud of his career and the impact he had on the lives of so many people.