David W. Harper, who many of us remember fondly as Jim-Bob Walton, the youngest of the Walton siblings, was born in Abilene, Texas, on October 4, 1961. Jim-Bob was known for his big dreams and his love for everything related to technology. After the beloved series ended, Harper chose a quieter, more private life. What path did this once-promising actor take after leaving Walton’s Mountain?
Harper’s journey with the iconic series began when he took on the role of Jim-Bob in 1971. Acting might have been in his blood as his father, Paul Harper, was part of the cast in the film The Wild Bunch. However, it was The Waltons that launched his acting career. The series was spun off from The Homecoming: A Christmas Story, a television movie that heartwarmingly portrayed John Walton’s efforts to reunite with his family for Christmas.
