The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Banks and Beals Funeral Home of La Harpe have reported that the funeral for La Harpe's fallen hero, Cpl. Evan James, 20, of La Harpe, will be this Thursday at 2:00 P.M.
Evan was a graduate of the Class of 2000 in La Harpe and his funeral will take place where he graduated, in the La Harpe High School gymnasium.
According to Kevin Beals of Banks and Beals Funeral Home in La Harpe, six Marines will serve as pallbearers, and several more will be at the cemetery to perform military honors.
It is expected to have a full gym which will be set up as it is for graduations. Although the event is open to the public, television media have been told that cameras will not be allowed in the gymnasium but will be allowed outside at a distance.
Beals said five area TV stations have inquired about the event from Quincy, Peoria, and the Quad Cities. Several newspapers have also called including one from Edwardsville where Cpl. James was attending SIUE.
Rev. Robin Thompson will lead the service. His daughter, Charissa Thompson of La Harpe, will be soloist.
According to High School Principal Charlie Apt, students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. for preparation of the 2:00 funeral there.
Evan James was a Marine reservist from the Peoria unit who drowned in southeastern Iraq, becoming the area's first casualty in the first week of the war.
Reports said he was attempting to cross the Saddam Canal March 24th with three other Marines when witnesses saw him disappear beneath the surface, military officials said. His body was recovered the next day. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mike James of La Harpe were notified by Marines of his death, late that afternoon.