04/30/2026
We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. James Harper. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Harper family during this time of grief and mourning. While we cannot begin to comprehend the depth of your sorrow, we hope these words bring even the smallest measure of comfort.
Many people have asked how K & C Landscaping got its start. The truth is, it would not exist if it werenโt for Mr. James Harper.
About five years ago, Mr. James called and asked if I would take care of his landscaping, since I was already familiar with the property from years prior. It had been nearly eight years since I last worked in landscaping, but I agreed because I knew the property and irrigation system well. I had originally worked there over ten years earlier, back when I was in high school, under Mr. Anthony McGee, the man who taught me nearly everything I know about landscaping.
At that point in my life, I was between jobs and at a very low place mentally, physically, and emotionally. I didnโt know what my next step would be. I had even received an offer to go back out of town for work, which was the last thing I truly needed.
After a few days working on Mr. Jamesโ property, my wife, Kimberly, came to help. I remember Mr. James saying, โNow thatโs a beautiful, hardworking woman right there. Cody, you better do everything in your power to hold onto her.โ
When the job was complete, Mr. James and I sat on his golf cart and talked for a while about my future. I was considering going back on the road or returning to North Carolina as a sprinkler fitter. His advice changed everything. He said, โCody, you have a beautiful wife and family. You donโt want to leave that. You know landscaping, and youโre good at it. You should start your own business.โ
At first, I thought he was joking, but he was completely serious. I told him I didnโt have the money, tools, or clients to make that happen, especially after my previous business had failed. Thatโs when he said something that stayed with me: โYou donโt need all of that. If youโre a hard worker, honest, and you do right by people, you will succeed. The rest will come in time.โ
And he was right.
Within a week, Kimberly and I started K & C Landscaping. We had an old 2008 Trailblazer that I received as payment for a job, a shovel, a borrowed rake, and a wheelbarrow. We used the little money we had left after paying bills to order four T-shirts. There were no investors, no loans, just hard work, persistence, and the support of loyal customers who have since become family.
Just as Mr. James said, we have grown a little more each year.
Mr. James Harper gave us something far greater than money or material things. At a time when we felt lost, he gave us hope, encouragement, and belief. He saw something in us when we couldnโt see it in ourselves at the time.
I will always cherish the conversations we shared, whether on the phone or during visits. We would talk about everything. I trusted him with things Iโve never shared with anyone else. There was never any judgment from Mr. James, only honesty, wisdom, kindness, and encouragement. Over the years, he remained one of our biggest supporters... always positive, always encouraging.
On our most recent visit, I had the opportunity to tell him just how much he meant to us and how grateful we are for his belief in us. We both grew quiet for a moment, then gently changed the subject... but that moment will stay with me forever.
Our family- Cody, Kimberly, and the kids will always be grateful. We will never forget Mr. James Harper. He will be deeply missed.
