James Harper Pike, 77, of Keokuk, IA died Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the West Ridge Care Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He left earth peacefully in his sleep. He was born on January 16, 1937 in Quincy, IL, the son of James G. and Dorothy Harper Pike. On August 23, 1958, Harper was united in marriage to Judy Bettisworth in Quincy. She survives. He is also survived by one son, Tod Harper Pike (Lori) of Solon, IA, two daughters, Pam Hamilton (Forrest) of Gonzales, TX, and Amy Pike of Keokuk, nine grandchildren, Brandi, Jay Harper (namesake) and Brianna Pike; and Rachel, Ashley, Michelle, Brittany, Christy and Emily Hamilton; one brother, Gary Pike (Sharon) of Booneville, MO, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Karen Wellman. Harper graduated from Quincy High School with the Class of 1955. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in teaching from Westminster College in Fulton, MO, and his Masters of Education from Western Illinois University in Macomb. He had been a high school English teacher for thirty-four years. He taught in the LaHarpe, IL, school district for one year and spent the next thirty-three years in the Keokuk School District. He retired in 1994. Harper was a dedicated teacher and touched the lives of many students over the years. Harper was a member of the Evangelical Free Church. Throughout his life he was actively involved in the Full Gospel Men's Fellowship. He was also a 5th- 6th Grade Sunday School teacher for several years. He enjoyed photography, travel, whistling, frisbee golf and had a never ending smile. Harper also enjoyed writing and was the author of four books. Harper's life passion was to tell other people how much Jesus loved them. Harper wanted to make certain that everyone knew how to accept the Lord so they could go to heaven when they died (John 3:16-18, Romans 10:9-10). He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and treasured the time he spent with his family. Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, November 9th 2014 at the Evangelical Free Church in Keokuk with Pastor Forrest Hamilton officiating. Burial was in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. Memorials may be made to the Keokuk Evangelical Free Church building fund.