James S. Harper, VMD, 72, of Sterling, MA, died August 19. He was the director of the Animal Care Facility at Brown, an associate professor emeritus of pathology and laboratory medicine, and an academic adviser to undergraduates and preveterinary students for 30 years, until his retirement in 2016.
Prior to coming to Brown, Dr. Harper was a veterinarian at several research facilities, including the National Institute for Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke. In 1990, he completed paramedic training and served as a member of Sterling Fire and EMS for 28 years. He was also a member of the Rhode Island Disaster Medical Assistance Team. On September 11, 2001, he was deployed with the team to New York City, where he cared for both human and canine first responders at Ground Zero.
A generous and selfless man, Dr. Harper was a member of the board of the Rhode Island Zoological Society and Providence Animal Rescue League, as well as an active and devoted member of his church. He is survived by his wife, Robin; his son, daughter-in-law, daughter, son-in law, and three grandchildren; as well as the faculty and staff who worked with him during his long career at Brown. Memorial donations in his name can be made to First Church in Sterling or Roger Williams Park Zoo.
