J. Joseph Harper

J. Joseph (Joe) Harper, passed away on January 18, 2013. Joe of Ft Myers FL and Columbus OH was born April 7, 1926, the son of Walter and Anna Marie Harper. Joe is survived by sisters, Rita, Patricia and Nancy; and was preceded in death by infant son Patrick, brothers W. Joseph (Bud), William, and sister Alice. Joes' surviving family includes wife, Patricia (Whetzle); their nine children, W. Joseph (Lynn), Kathleen, Carol, William (Mary Klee), Mary Thompson, Jean (Ed Yackenovich), James (Tara), John (Susan) and Patty. The extended family included 19 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A member of the greatest generation, Joe graduated in 1944 from St. Charles Preparatory Academy where he captained the football team. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was in bomber pilot training as the war ended. He was, to the day he died, a true patriot and staunch defender of the US Constitution. After the war, Joe returned to Columbus where he met, and in 1946 married Pat, his lifelong love. Joe and Pat attended OSU where Joe earned his Mechanical Engineering degree in 1951 and proceeded to achieve his Professional Engineer License. While still in college, Joe began his business career with Otis Elevator Co. where after graduating college, he accepted increasing levels of responsibility, in consistently larger markets. He achieved such enviable records of success that he was awarded a return to his hometown Columbus, and the position of District Manager. In 1972, after 25 years with Otis, Joe, with Pat by his side, founded his own elevator company, Elevators Inc. and successfully competed head to head with the likes of Otis and Westinghouse. Joe then strengthened his position in the Columbus market by acquiring Capital Elevator Manufacturing Co., moving his offices to the Town St. location. Entering retirement, Joe had built one of the largest independent elevator companies in the Midwest with offices in Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, and Athens. Nationwide, in the elevator industry, Joe was regarded as a gutsy businessman with an immense practical knowledge of machinery and sophisticated electrical components. He was respected and appreciated by his employees, customers, and competitors alike. His interpersonal skills and his no nonsense, trustworthy and demanding approach created strong bonds with his employees and customers, retaining their lifelong loyalty and respect. A devoted family man, Joe was exceptionally generous with his guidance, care giving and support to family, and those in need, and he was always available for advice and direction. Joe was a member of the St. Timothy Parish, Athletic Club of Columbus, Scioto Country Club, Cypress Lake Country Club, BOMA, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Franklinton Board of Trade, Builders Exchange, and The Mansions and Peppertree Point/FL Boards. Friends and family may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME, 2383 North High St., Columbus. Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m. Wednesday, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Lane, Columbus. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's memory to Kobacker House.