James O. Harp

Our amazing husband, father, and Poppy is now rejoicing in heaven with Jesus and his mother, Zoe Ann. James Oliver Harp left this earth much too soon on the early morning of Friday, October 22nd, after a sudden illness. He was the love of Janet’s life and the best father anyone could ever hope for to Julia and Jay. As of 7 years ago, he was blessed to add the title of Poppy with the birth of grandson Pax, followed by the births of Winnie, West, and Keller. He was so proud of his children; grandchildren; son-in-law, Elliot; and daughter-in-law, Hannah. He often talked about them and dearly loved them.

James was a man of great faith. On Sunday mornings you would find him at First Baptist Church Norman with his family, attending -- and, sometimes, teaching -- the Jimerson Sunday School class and worshiping in the sanctuary. James was a loyal member of FBC for 59 years. He became a deacon at a young age, taught 7th grade Sunday school, and acted as the RA director for many years. He was a respected leader in the church and served on countless committees, which he often chaired.

During the week you would find James working at Armstrong Bank (formerly Republic Bank). James was a lifelong banker, following in the footsteps of his Grandaddy Oliver. He began his career at Liberty Bank in Oklahoma City in 1982. In 1997, he was hired at Republic Bank, where he helped many in the community through his knowledge and expertise. He made lifelong friends out of his customers and loyally supported them in their restaurants and businesses. James treasured his time as a local banker, rising to executive vice president, and will be greatly missed by his coworkers and customers.

James had many hobbies and interests. On any given Saturday, you could find him at his shop with his dad, son, and best friend, Andy, tinkering on old cars and trucks. He had a knack for finding and restoring old relics: Mustangs, Corvettes, Chevy pickups, and International Harvesters were among his favorites. He also loved sailing on his boat and being a member of the Texoma Sailing Club. James was very involved in his hometown community of Norman. In addition to volunteering his time at FBC, he served on the United Way of Norman Board, Norman Regional Health Foundation Board, Leadership Norman Class of 1999, and the Environmental Control Advisory Board. He previously served as president of both Sooner Rotary and Legacy Rotary clubs. James was honored to serve his hometown.

James was also proud of his Arkansas roots. He was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to Zoe Ann and Jimmie Frank Harp on July 4th, 1959. After moving to Norman in early childhood, he often spent summers in Booneville, Arkansas, where his Grampy Harp was mayor. James took frequent trips to Arkansas with family and friends and especially loved showing his children family history and the streets and towns he’d roamed. He knew the beautiful backroads of Northwest Arkansas well and loved riding his Harley with his motorcycle buddies on annual trips to the area.

James was a proud graduate of the Norman High class of 1977. He earned a 1982 Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Finance at OU, where he made lifetime friendships as a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. James went on to receive his Master’s degree in Public Administration from OU in 2005 and a 2012 graduate degree in banking from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

James relished life and had many adventures. He was a gifted storyteller, carpenter, motorcycle rider, guitar player, banker, car aficionado, church leader, and community volunteer. He was a great man and leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love and friendship. He will be remembered for many things, but most of all, as a loving husband, father, Poppy, son, brother, and friend. “Well done, good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:23.

James leaves behind his father, Dr. Jim Harp; his wife, Janet, to whom he was married for 39 years; his beautiful daughter, Julia Ann Lee, and husband, Elliot; his son and best friend, James Allon ‘Jay’ Harp, and daughter-in-law Hannah; grandchildren Paxon James, Winna Jane, Weston Elliot, and Keller Harp Lee; brother Jeff Harp and sister-in-law Anne; stepbrother (and motorcycle buddy) Jerry Dry and sister-in-law Nancy; sister-in-law Patti Thomas and her husband, Brentlee; mother-in-law Fran Short; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jim and Monika Short; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Doug and Leigh Short; as well as nieces and nephews Jack and Sam Harp, Michelle Richards and Ali Kassoff, Jennifer Allen and Billy Dry, Jennifer Short and Eric Short, and Allie Webster and Patric Short. James also leaves behind his dearest childhood friend, Andy Darks, and Andy’s companion, Barb Tadlock.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Zoe Ann Harp, and stepmother Dorothy Harp; grandparents Mayor Allon Harp and Sammie Harp, Hearn and Ethel Oliver, stepbrothers Ernie and Chuck Dry, father-in-law James Short, and niece Erin Schrick.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the First Baptist Church college scholarship fund.

We were so blessed to have you and to share our lives with you.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, October 28, 2021, Tribute Memorial Care, 708 24th Ave NW, Event Center, Norman. Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, October 29, First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche St., Norman. Interment to follow at Warren Cemetery, Norman. Online condolences may be shared at www.tribute.care.