Obituary of James Harpster

James "Jim" Edward Harpster, 80, of Pennsylvania Furnace, went to his eternal rest on Saturday, June 11, 2011 He was born in Altoona April 13, 1931, to the late Harry L. and Mildred Peters Harpster. Jim grew up in Pine Grove Mills and attended Ferguson Twp. Elementary School. He graduated from the State College Area High School class of 1949. On Christmas Day, 1954, he married Constance Anne Wills, who survives at home. Also surviving him are his children: Laura Feagley of Tennessee, Jeffrey Harpster and his wife, Charlene, of Pennsylvania Furnace, and Elizabeth Evert of Boalsburg; his brother, The Reverend Dr. Donald E. Harpster and his wife, Johanna, of Vermont; grandchildren Rachael Guyer and her husband, Brian, Kyle Harpster, Heather Evert Heverly and her husband, George, and James Evert; and two great-grandsons, Scottie and Parker. Jim received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1953 from the Pennsylvania State College where he was enrolled in the ROTC program. After graduating, he was Company Commander of Company 30, Fort Gorden, Georgia, attaining permanent rank of First Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged in April 1955. In 1971 Jim received a Masters of Education in Agriculture Education and in 1974 Certification for Director of Vocational Education both from the Pennsylvania State University. In 1960 his family moved from the family farm in Pennsylvania Furnace to Belleville where he was a teacher of Agriculture for Juniata-Mifflin counties for nine years, becoming Director of Vocational Education for Juniata-Mifflin counties from 1971 to 1986 when he retired. Jim was a founding member of the Mifflin County Youth Park, served on the fair board of directors for eight years and on the Union Twp. Planning Commission for eight years. He was awarded the Outstanding Mifflin County Conservation Educator in 1971. In 1973 his family moved back to the family farm in Pennsylvania Furnace where they raised polled Herefords and crops. He was chairman of the Farmers Committee on Zoning for Ferguson Twp. From 1974 to 1978 and served on the Centre County Planning Commission for 19 years, being chairman for 14 years and secretary for two years. Jim obtained a license to sell real estate working for KBB specializing in the sale of farms and land. Jim was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pine Grove Mills, where he served on the Finance Committee. His good nature and the respectful way he treated all he met earned him many friends and many, including his children often sought his council. He especially enjoyed teaching adult farmers in the Young Farmer Program and his FFA students. His special interests were the conservations of agricultural land, raising polled Herefords, country music, especially the banjo, and history. His family continues to enjoy the 1821 log cabin he and Anne dismantled and rebuilt on the farm property. Always proud of the accomplishments,of his children and grandchildren, he lived his life as a gentleman, enjoying the company of others. A good son, father, husband and Papa, he will be missed every day. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 16, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Additional visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, June 16, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 277 West Pine Grove Road, Pine Grove Mills. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Reverend Kelly Baxter officiating. There will be a basket available for your written remembrances of Jim for his family. A private graveside service will be held at Graysville Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The John K Sprankle Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Paul Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 200, Pine Grove Mills, PA 16801. The family is grateful for the skilled doctors and nurses who cared for him and accompanied him throughout his healthcare journey.