Jack Ellis Harper, 83, Harrisonville, MO, died Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, MO. Funeral services were held May 15, 2018 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville with burial in Wills Cemetery, Peculiar, MO. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the City of Harrisonville Animal Control or Kansas City Hospice House.

Jack was born March 21, 1935 in Harrisonville, MO, the son of Finis and Grace Verna (Benjamin) Harper. He was a lifelong Harrisonville resident and attended rural country schools in the Grand River township, including Hutchinson #62 and Belle Plain #61, before attending Harrisonville High School. He was united in marriage to Janice Helmick on March 12, 1990 in Miami, OK. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Jack was the owner/operator of Jack Harper Trucking for over 60 years. Prior to that, he was helping his father in his trucking business. Jack took great pride in the service he provided to his many customers and every one of them was very important to him. Jack enjoyed going to NASCAR races, going to the casinos, and going to Branson to country music shows. Jack loved all animals. If he could have, he would have adopted all the cats and dogs in the world.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Shirley Knox. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Janice Harper, of the home; a step-daughter, Kathy Lambertz and her fiancé, Mike Gaddie, Harrisonville, MO; two step-granddaughters, Ashley Gallardo and her husband, Armando, Overland Park, KS, and Erin Lambertz, Harrisonville. He was happily awaiting the arrival of a step-great-grandchild this fall. He is also survived by a sister, Sharon Wallace, Smithville, MO; several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A special thank you to the staff of the Kansas City Hospice House for the loving care and concern they gave Jack and the family.