Our Staff

Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met. We are here for you.

Licensed Staff
James A. Harper Jr., Owner and President

James A. Harper, Jr. is the owner and president of the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc. He was born and raised in Rome, New York.
Jim graduated from Notre Dame High School in Utica, New York, Class of 1964; College of the Holy Cross, Class of 1968. Jim became was a teacher in the Rome School System for three years. After meeting his wife, Elizabeth Ann Nunn, her father, Martin J. Nunn, convinced Jim to attended Simmons Institute of Mortuary Science and Embalming. Jim graduated in 1972 with a degree in Mortuary Science and Embalming. He served his residency at Nunn and Harper under the direction of his father-in-law, Martin. In 1986, he became the president of Nunn and Harper Funeral Home.
Jim is a member of St. Paul’s Church, the Rome Knights of Columbus and their Fourth Degree, the Rome Elks Club, the Rome Moose Club, Teugega Country Club, and several professional organizations.
Jim and his wife, Betty Ann, live in Rome. They have two sons and a daughter-in-law, James A. “Jamie” Harper, III, and Edward “Eddie” and his wife, Chrissy, Harper; and two granddaughters, Annie and Emmy.

James A. Harper III, Vice President
Email: jharper@nunnandharper.com

James A. “Jamie” Harper, III, is a third generation licensed funeral director and the vice president of our firm. Jamie has lived in Rome all of his life.
He graduated from Rome Free Academy, Class of 1995. Jamie went on to attend the University of Connecticut on a football scholarship. He graduated in 1999 with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology. Jamie then attended Simmons Institute of Funeral Service. He graduated in 2001 with his degree in Mortuary Science. Jamie served his residency under the direction of his father and received his funeral-directing license in 2002. He has been with our firm since 2000.
Jamie is a member of St. Peter’s Church, Teugega Country Club, Rome Elks and the Rome Knights of Columbus. Jamie is also an assistant Rome Free Academy Junior Varsity Football Coach.
Jamie is the son of James A. and Elizabeth Ann Harper, Jr. of Rome. He has a brother, Eddie, a sister-in-law, Chrissy; and two nieces, Annie and Emmy.

Michelle Ironside Kinville, Licensed Funeral Director
Email: mkinville@nunnandharper.com

Michelle Ironside Kinville is a licensed funeral director with our firm. She was born and raised in Oneida, New York. Her family has been involved with the funeral service for over twenty-five years.
She graduated from Oneida High School, Class of 2002. Michelle then attended Utica College of Syracuse University. While at Utica College, she was a four-year member of their women’s basketball team. She graduated cum laude in May of 2006, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and a concentration in Marketing. Michelle then attended American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service, in New York City. She graduated in August of 2007 as a member of the first online class. She is a member of the Tri-County Funeral Directors Association. Michelle is the Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach at Oneida High School.
Michelle began working at our firm in April of 2007. She started her residency in September of 2007 and completed her residency September 2008. She is now a licensed funeral director.
She is the daughter of Bruce M. and Kathy G. Ironside, of Oneida. Michelle has a brother, James. She currently resides in Rome with her husband, Scott.

Non-Licensed Staff
Agnes S. Koster, Executive Office Manager

Agnes S. Koster is the executive office manager of our firm and she has been a dedicated employee since 1964. She was born and raised in Rome, New York.
Agnes graduated from Rome Free Academy, Class of 1963. She is a member of St. Peter’s Church in Rome. Agnes is also a member of the Rome Outboard Motor Club. She volunteers at the Rome Art and Community Center and the American Cancer Society.
Agnes and her husband, Gary, where married in 1970 after meeting while Gary was serving his residency at the funeral home. They currently reside in Rome. They have two children, Jeremy and his wife, Heather, and Megan, and five grandchildren, Zachary, Casey, Cameron, Sullivan, and Emerson.
When Agnes was asked about working in a funeral home, she stated, “I enjoy my employment very much. I like the feeling of helping people who are having a difficult time. I like people very much and love my job.”

Jack Harper, Part-Time Employee

Jack Harper has been a part-time employee since January of 2000. He was born and raised in Rome, New York.
Jack is a graduate of St. Aloysius Academy. He is a member of Lake Delta Yacht Club, Griffis Ski Club, Niagara Mohawk Retires Club, and the Gaslighters Club.
Jack retired from Niagara Mohawk after thirty-seven years of service in the gas department.
Jack and his wife, Joan, currently reside in Rome. They have three children, John, Christine, and Patti, and six grandchildren, Bryan, Jessica, JoAnn, Amanda, Collin, and Jared. Jack and Joan enjoy traveling and spending time with their grandkids.

Morris W. Nelson, Part-Time Employee 1926-2018

Morris W. Nelson was a part-time employee at our firm for over 77 years, working right up until his passing March 24, 2018. Often times, you would find Morris working the door during calling hours in the evening, running errands all over the county or sweeping the parking. He was born and raised in Rome, NY, graduated from St. Aloysius Academy, Class of 1944. He then attended the Utica School of Commerce, graduating with the Class of 1946, with a associate's degree in accounting.
He worked at Rome Cable for many years and  member of the Rome Elks Lodge #96.
Morris is survived by: a daughter, Christine Saward, and two sons, Edward M. Nelson, and Dr. Morris W. "Bud" Nelson.

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