James Author Harper, Sr.

James Author Harper, Sr. passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 in Pflugerville, Texas. Born February 22, 1942, to Norvell Wilson and Robert Harper, Sr. in Creedmoor, Texas, he was educated in Del Valle and Austin, Texas schools. Immediately after graduating from Anderson High School at 18 years old, he founded Harper’s Landscaping, Inc. and later, JHarper Janitorial, and JHarper Construction, with offices in the heart of East Austin, on 12th Street. James worked for more than 50 years as a highly successful business owner and general contractor in the Austin metropolitan area and had a long history of helping others to grow and succeed, especially fellow Black contractors, many of whom were young entrepreneurs who launched their businesses in the 1980s and 1990s. Notable construction projects that James’ companies were engaged to complete included: The Mexican American Cultural Center, Computer Science Corporation - Austin Campus Building, City of Austin Dessau Substation (for Samsung Corporation), City of Austin Water Treatment Plant #4, Caswell Tennis Courts, Sandy Hill, Town Lake Cultural Landscape Access Road, Clay Kizer Golf Course, St. Edwards University detention pond, Quarry Lake, Little Walnut Creek, Givens Park, Old Lockhart road and bridge, ACWP Buttermilk South Hike and Bike Trail, and Pleasant Valley Hike & Bike Trail.

As Harper’s Landscaping grew to prominence in Austin and surrounding areas, James taught his son, James A. Harper Jr. (Jed) to follow in his footsteps. Guided by his unselfish commitment to helping others, James, Sr. established the Austin Black Contractors Association (ABCA) in 1988. As a nonprofit corporation established to promote, business and economic development opportunities for African-American contractors and other small minority contractors and entrepreneurs in the Austin metropolitan area, ABCA joined forces with consulting firm, Business Resource Consultant’s (BRC) principal, Ms. Carol Hadnot. Together, James and Carol’s community advocacy, involvement in local government, and financial and operational support of local political campaigns continued to be a highly successful partnership that enhanced the trajectory of many Black business owners.

In addition to his long history as a highly successful entrepreneur, James also served on the City of Austin Minority Business Enterprise Advisory Committee and the City’s Disparity Study Committee. The success of the ABCA in expanding opportunities for Black contractors and in building their capacity to compete in the construction marketplace was evident soon after the organization was created. And, in the spirit of unity, James reached out to Hispanic contractors as well and invited them to join the ABCA since there was no advocacy organization for Hispanic contractors at that time.  Over James’ long and distinguished career, he received numerous accolades including the Dewitty-Overton Award from the Austin Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as well as distinguished service awards from the City of Austin Mayor's Office, City Manager's Office and the State of Texas.  Even after James began his retirement and significantly decreased his business operations and activities in  2015, he continued to enjoy hosting family gatherings with his beloved mother, brothers, sisters, kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and friends. James will always be remembered for his tall cowboy-like presence, megawatt smile, quick wit, melodic singing voice, and ability to have everyone in the room laughing hysterically. In his later years, he grew fond of the Dallas Cowboys and would often share his season tickets on the 50-yard line with family and friends. 

Preceding James in death are his beloved sons, James Author Harper, Jr. and Michael Reed Harper as well as his father Robert Harper, Sr., sisters Mary Fowler and Wanda Clark, stepfather Ulysses L. Williams, and grandfather, Jake Wilson, whom James cared for at his ranch for many years before his death.  James leaves to cherish his mother, Norvell Williams, and his children Teeyia Mercer, Tracy Harper (Michael Nelson), and Deirdre Aldridge. Also his grandchildren Brianna Brown (Darryl), Dedric Washington, Matthew Nelson, Tyra Reed, and Nathaniel Reed. Great grandchildren, Kyle Brown, Karlie Brown, Knox Brown, Ayahna Washington, and Demari Washington. His brothers Ralph Harper (Stella), Ray Harper (Ruthie), Ronnie Harper (Yvonne), Eugene Harper (Judy), Robert Harper, Jr., and sister Laura Harper Clark, beloved Shorkie puppy Teddi, as well as a host of many relatives and friends.

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, November 15 at 11 am at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. Viewing will be at 10 am with the service starting promptly at 11 am.