At Hammond High School James Harper 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.