Obituary of John Llewellyn Harpell Jr.

1st Lieutenant US Army, Ret., Dr. John Llewellyn Harpell Jr, Phi Beta Kappa, Professor Emeritus of Business Administration at West Virginia University (WVU), passed gracefully on March 8th, 2024 in Silver Spring, MD at the age of 85. Born in 1938 in Stoneham MA, Jack Harpell was known affectionately as "Doc H" by over 14,000 students he taught during his decades at WVU, where he received numerous accolades ranging from Professor of the Year to WVU Faculty League Bowling Champion. One of 20 charter members of the Decision Sciences Institute of America, Dr. Harpell published scores of scientific papers and articles, and more than a dozen books on Management and Marketing. He appeared on television several times, with his most notable appearance being a live debate he won against Jay Rockefeller. A deeply religious man dedicated to teaching and helping others, Dr. Harpell helped found several ministries in and around Morgantown, hosting ceremonies in his home and even driving a bulldozer to help build one new church. Whether he was tending the Welcome To Morgantown gardens for the Kiwanis Club, or driving people to church or their medical appointments, or counseling Fortune 500 clients, Jack was sure to remind everyone that "God Loves You!" Dr. Harpell is survived by his son John Harpell III, and granddaughter Josephine Harpell, his daughter Johanna Estes and grandchildren Oliver, Hallisey, and William Estes, and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown on Friday, May 17th, 2024 from 4PM until the time of the memorial service at 6PM. In lieu of donations, please honor Jack's memory by following his example - give a smile to a complete stranger, every day! Condolences may be made to the family online at hastingsfuneralhome.com.