Mr. James Edsel Harper, age 69, of Willacoochee, GA passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Harper was born to Leaston and Thelma Harper on October 12, 1940 in Douglas, GA and he was a farmer. Mr. Harper attended Salem Holiness Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with burial following in the Salem Holiness Baptist Church Cemetery. Survivors include: sons: James Harper, Douglas, Ga; Timothy Gray, Douglas, GA; daughters: Retha Dean Horton, Willacoochee, GA; Reba Jean Shatto, Douglas, GA; Carol Lynn Harper, Broxton, GA; sister: Irma Ruth Merritt, Wray, GA; 21 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 15, 2010 and Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home. Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.