The Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill announces the death of Jimmy James Harper, age 72, of Copperhill, who passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Jimmy was a native of the Copper Basin area and was a son of the late Roy and Nora Mae Burnette Harper. He was retired as a custodian with the Fannin County Board of Education. He was of the Baptist Faith and was preceded in death by brothers Gene Harper and Bill Harper.He is survived by one brother, Don C. Harper of Canton, GA; Betty Arp of Ducktown, TN; Several nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, March 26th at 2:00 p.m. from the Akins of Copperhill Chapel with Rev. Jessie Sisson officiating. Music will be by Homer Johnson and Karen Hicks. Pallbearers include Alan Ritchie, Michael Ritchie, Jeff Cowart, Jeff Emig, Stacy Galloway and Dustin Long. Honorary Pallbearers include, Mikey Burnette, Bob Wehunt and Bob Brown. Interment will follow in the Zion Hill Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Condolences to the family may be sent to www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Copperhill in charge of the arrangements.