John "Jack" R. Harper, 72, of the Town of Oswego, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023, at St. Joseph's Hospital.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Ernest and Mildred (Rupert) Harper, Sr. his brother James of Mississippi, and sister Linda Kulp.

Jack worked for the Oswego County Public Health Department for 30 years. Jack loved nature and had a very passionate green thumb. He raised rhododendrons and shrubs for many years at his business, Upstate Nursery, in the Town of Oswego. He was a gentle, nature-loving man who always pulled his truck to the side to help turtles cross the road. He also enjoyed his time as a young man in the Peace Corps in Ecuador.

Jack leaves behind his loving wife, of 25 years, Anne (Nutting) Harper, his sisters-in-law, Linda Harper of Mississippi and Beth Nutting of Oswego, his brothers-in-law Paul Nutting of Springfield, Tennessee, and David Nutting of Oswego, his beloved friends, Lisa Bailey, Lee Seawell, and Timothy Suppes, and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call from 12-3 pm on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 West Albany Street.

A private burial will be held in Oswego Town Rural Cemetery. Per Jack's request celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Jack's name, to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.