James "Jimmy" Earl Harpe

James “Jimmy” Earl Harpe, 64, well-known keyboard vocalist, of 175 Josey Road, Forsyth, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2015, after a lengthy illness.  A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday December 4, 2015, at First Baptist Church in Forsyth, with Dr. H. Darrell Watson officiating.  Mr. Harpe was born January 26, 1951, in Perry, GA and attended Northside High and Macon Jr. College.  He moved to Forsyth, from Macon, in 1990 and was a member of First Baptist Church in Forsyth, and former member of the Sanctuary Choir.  He also had his own stucco and tile business for a number of years and was a successful booking agent in the late 1970’s and entertainment entrepreneur.  His love for music began as a child where he would sing with family members in church and that love continued through his high school days in Houston County.  Best known for his unique and inspiring voice, he was also a great songwriter and keyboard player.  He was a former band member with Sugarcreek and Silver Hammer Band and played with other well-known middle Georgia musicians.  He was in the process of finishing a gospel CD at the time of his passing.  He is preceded in death by his father, James Lloyd Harpe and sister, Warnell Jackson.  He is survived by his wife, Denise Harpe of Forsyth; son, Jason Grant (Heather) Harpe of Thomasville; daughter, Rachel Reeves of Forsyth; parents, Bessie and Gene Dukes of Perry; brother, Johnny Dukes of Perry; sister, Janice Dukes (Brian) Downey of Newnan; brother in law, Ed Steeley of Macon; grandchildren, Neveah Reeves of Forsyth, Savannah and Grant Harpe of Thomasville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 95 West Morse Street, Forsyth, GA 31029.  Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.