of Harrison, AR
October 1, 1949 - May 25, 2025
James Doyle Harp, age 75, passed away May 25, 2025 at North Arkansas Medical Center. He was born October 1, 1949 in Harrison, Arkansas. His parents were Doyle Harp and Vilna Rowland Harp. Mr. Harp grew up in ''the Basin'' in Newton County, Arkansas. Even though he was an only child, he had a community of family influences, especially his grandpa ''Pa Frank'', as well as Aunt Sal, Uncle Marion, and Aunt Lizzie. Mr. Harp was very proud of his boys, Paul and Franklin, and enjoyed his grandchildren as much as possible.
Mr. Harp's early education was at Jasper School District for elementary, then he transferred to Harrison School District for junior high and high school He graduated from Harrison High in 1967. He earned his bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry and his master's degree in Animal Nutrition, both degrees obtained at the University of Arkansas.
Mr. Harp was a hard working person, starting young on the family farm in Newton County. They raised hogs and dairy cattle, then switched to beef cattle later. He was always a cattle rancher/farmer, until he turned it over to his sons, while continuing to offer his advice and opinions on how to operate the business.
After graduating college, he worked under the supervision of Denver Sullins at Claude Withers Motors, where he honed his salesmanship skills. During the same time he taught as an adjunct instructor in Agriculture at North Arkansas Community College.
Mr. Harp was always an excellent mathematician, which led to his next occupation as a stockbroker for A.G. Edwards for many years. He rode out a couple of crashes and ended on a high note, giving his ''book'' to Allen Rogers, who had been his protege since Allen graduated college.
He then moved to his next occupation as a realtor, first with Rodney and Denver Sullins, then as the owner of Harp and Associates Real Estate. Mr. Harp served as the President of Harrison Board of Realtors for the year 2002. He expanded that to a successful enterprise, sold the business and a few years later founded Weichert Realtors-Market Edge with Melissa Collins and Tom Benton, which has since grown to 22 agents. After Mr. Harp retired, Franklin is honored to be following in his fathers's footsteps.
He was a member of several local bank boards, starting with First National Bank of Berryville. One of the highlights of his business life was helping to organize Community First Bank of Harrison, where he was one of the original board members, as well as managing a lucrative bond portfolio until Community First Bank sold to Equity Bank, where he was a board member, until he left to serve on the current board of Signature Bank,
His civic duties started in Newton County, serving on the Newton County Quorum Court from 1996-2004. Mr. Harp was instrumental, along with other community leaders, to get public water to the residents of Marble Falls/Basin Valley. After moving to Harrison, Mr.Harp was elected to the Boone County Quorum Court, serving from 2015-2024, when he retired. He was also actively serving on the Planning Commission of the city of Harrison.
Mr. Harp was a member of Harrison Kiwanis, where he served for many years, serving as Club President from 2007-2008.. He earned the ''Ruby K'' for being instrumental in starting the Kiwanis Club in Berryville.
Mr. Harp was presented the John Paul Hammerschmidt Men of Distinction for the class of 2024, proud to be alongside his good friend, Rodney Sullins. He was awarded many honors in his lifetime, but one of the things he loved best was encouraging younger members of the business community to be the stars he knew they could become. He was honored to have helped so many young and not so young members of the community.
His church affiliations have been mainly St. Paul's United Methodist, Cumberland-Presbyterian, and Harrison First United Methodist Church. He was actively involved in each.
Mr. Harp was known to be a great storyteller. He had many opportunities to practice, whether it was fishing for salmon on the banks of the Kenai in Alaska with his friend Arthur Royston, eating breakfast with the Ranch House Breakfast Buddies, the RBC, or the Town House Harrison Class of 1967.
Mr. Harp's first priority was always his family: he was very proud of them. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carolyn (Polk) Harp of the home, two sons, Paul and Melissa (Matthews) of Marble Falls and Franklin and Uriel (Jefferies) also of Marble Falls. Eight grandchildren: James Lindsey Harp of Marble Falls, Ashley (Blythe) and Will Aldridge of Bergman, Tyler Harp of Harrison, Thomas and Tiffany (Lewis) of Marble Falls, Heighla (Harp) and Richard Atkinson of Harrison, Levi Harp, Noah Harp, and Bella Harp, all of Marble Falls. Nine great grandchildren: Averi, Emilee, Grayson, Elijah, Jaysen, Ryan, Jaxen, Tate, and Gabriel.
Visitation and funeral services under the direction of Roller-Christeson Funeral Home will be as follows:
Visitation was Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Roller-Christeson.
Service was Friday, May 30, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Harrison with the interment at Shaddox Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jerry Jones, Ron Richardson, Allen Rogers, Paul Roten, Ty Rowland, Arthur Royston, Rodney Sullins and Brandt Ward.
Honorary pallbearers were Ranch House Breakfast Buds, Rowdy Boys Club, Town House Class of 1967, and the Cumberland-Presbyterian Quartet.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Kiwanis Club of Harrison, NorthArk College Nursing Program, or Arkansas Children's Hospital.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 18707413113.
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25 Condolence(s)
Peggy L Thompson
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Wayne and I are sad to hear you have lost your Dad. We were out of the states visiting our son in Scotland and heard of his passing when we returned. You are all in our prayers. He will be greatly missed in the community.
Kathy bass
Thursday, June 5, 2025
I am 61 yrs old home bound lady I have lived at 718 East South apartment A since 2019 I enjoyed seeing Mr Jim come on his property when he could and it's been a pleasure knowing him my condolences go out to all the family 🙏 and God has gained another angel ✨🙏✨
Bobby and Becky Howard
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Carolyn and boys,
Sorry for your loss, Jim was a great guy, enjoyed visiting with him every Monday at Kiwanis, he will be missed!
Bobby and Becky Howard
Friday, May 30, 2025
Dear Carolyn and family, we are sorry for your lost, Jim was a quality guy and I enjoyed seeing him every Monday at Kiwanis. We are thinking about you and the boys.
Bobby and Becky Howard
James & Judy Riggs
Friday, May 30, 2025
Carolyn and family we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you all!
Nedra Daniels
Friday, May 30, 2025
Prayers for you all
Jack Witty
Friday, May 30, 2025
Kathleen Lewallen
Thursday, May 29, 2025
He was a great man!
Patricia Whitney
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Sorry for your loss I know how it feels I will say prayers for you and the family
David Williams
Thursday, May 29, 2025
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Jim, Carolyn. You and your precious family are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always be grateful for the privilege of serving as Jim's pastor for a short season in your lives. I always appreciated his wisdom, the gift of his stories, and ''a faith seeking understanding.'' He was a source of encouragement to our family. Peace be with you all. -David and Rebecca
Gloria Ballard
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Jim was a kind man that offered me kindness when I most needed it. I appreciate his willingness and generosity when it came to helping others. His loss will be felt by family, friends and the community. My prayers to the family that you have comfort in knowing you will see him again in heaven.
Vicki Baker
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Carolyn, I was shocked and saddened to learn of your loss. If there was anything I could do to help you know I would. I hope my words and knowing you aren't alone will offer some comfort.
Bryan Snavely
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
So sorry, for Carolyn and family. Jim will be missed.
The Boone County Quorum Court missed his knowledge upon his retirement, he was truly passionate while he served.
I'll especially miss those after meeting Dinner's when we all expected a funny story from Jim, and his ability to make us all laugh.
May you rest in peace Jim.
Guy & Corine Lord
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Jim was a force of nature, wise, a community leader. thoughtful and incredibly intelligent. We send our deepest condolences to his family. He will be missed. Sending all our love.
Cindy Kolb
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Our world just got a bit more gray from the passing of Jim Harp. To me, Jim was a tower of power; met Jim at an impromptu dinner party many years ago and I remember being in awe of this huge man, and I'll say he really intimidated me! But once I got to know Jim, I quickly (like so many) fell in love with his demeanor, his stories, his WIT. I've had the honor to work with Jim over the past years; gone but will never be forgotten.
Carolyn, thinking of you during this daunting time. Here for you if I can be.
Cindy Kolb
Richard and Patsy Bailey
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Carolyn, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and family.
Peggy Witty
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Known Jim since he was a kid. bought blackberries from him when he was about ten years old. One really good man.
Jeff & Paulette Jech
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Carolyn & family, we are so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
Georgie Patton
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Jim was such a pillar in our community. I served several years with him on the Farm Bureau board where he was a tremendous asset. He will be missed.
Sam & Mary Cecil
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.
Dale
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
I have known Jim Harp since his birth This community has lost a great asset. Jim was a success in business, character and any way you can think. He always gave back to his community also . Condolences to all his family.
Dale Wagner
John Payne
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Jim was a great friend. I met him when we were students at Arkansas Tech and we continued our friendship and educations together at the University of Arkansas. We did many hours of studying together, hunted, and participated in many school and family activities. I loved his wit, humor, and story telling. He was a good student and loved animal agriculture. I am grateful for the meal get togethers he and I along with several others we graduated with had over the past two or three years. I am very saddened about his passing and will miss him greatly. My prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
John Payne
Clarksville AR
Marquetta Matthews
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a good man and friend. God bless the whole family in this time
Ginny Hulsey
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
I knew Jim from having the privilege of being on the Boone County Farm Bureau Board with him. He will be sorely missed in Harrison and Farm Bureau. He was always there with his wisdom and wit.
Freda Young
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Carolyn , I am so sorry you are in my thoughts and prayers.