Name: G. Thomas “Tom” Harper
Family: Married to Jamie Iseman Harper; three children: daughter Ashley, works for Publix; Ansley is in nursing school at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.; and son Andrew is a junior at Liberty University.
Pets: My wife has two Pomeranians who worship her: Bonnie & Barbie.
Education: Furman University – B.A. 1970; University of Georgia School of Law, Athens, Ga. – JD 1973.
Admitted to the Bar: South Carolina 1973, Florida 1983, District of Columbia 1984.
Employed by: Harper Gerlach, PL
Field of practice: Board certified in labor and employment law, employment law mediator (www.WorkplaceMediator.org) Supreme Court Certified Mediator.
Professional Organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association Labor and Employment Law Committee Chair, The Florida Employment Law Letter (monthly) Editor since 1989, Gideons International: www.Gideons.org, www.JacksonvilleChristianLawyerDirectory.com
Community Involvement:
Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 522, chartered by Ortega United Methodist Church. Mentor to several youth through Meninak (www.Meninak.org) and Trinity Baptist Church. Bus driver – Trinity Baptist Church.
How did you get involved?
My son was an Eagle Scout and I stayed on with the troop. I am doing my scouting now. Scouting teaches values. I became involved as a mentor through my church, Trinity Baptist and through Meninak. Several boys that I serve as mentors too are active in our Boy Scout Troop. I got my CDL Class B to drive the bus for Boy Scouts and for the Bus Ministry at my church.
How can someone else get involved?
I suggest you read Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life.” It helped me think about my reason for being here. There is a great need for adults to mentor and take an interest in young people. I found that I could contribute by doing activities that I enjoy - camping, fishing, hiking and cooking in the outdoors.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
It’s not about me. Helping others is much more rewarding than monetary and material accomplishments.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I just finished reading the “Book of John” in the New Testament. Before that, I read the biography of David Green, founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby.