Longtime WCVB-TV reporter Jack Harper (inset) is retiring. The unhappy news was announced in a memo from Channel 5 news director Andrew Vrees. “In my book, reporters fall into a few different categories: ‘Story-Breakers,’ ‘Story-Chasers’ and ‘Story-Tellers.’ Then there’s Jack Harper who falls into a category all of his own. For the last 34 years Jack has made us laugh, scream, and mostly cry. His extraordinary ability to turn the mundane into TV gold has been a gift to this television station and to our viewers. Jack is retiring for all the right reasons. His last day will come at the end of May. Of course, we’ll all take time before then to celebrate a talented colleague and legend in Boston television.’’ In an e-mail to colleagues, Harper said of all the stories he’s reported — the Oklahoma City bombing and the events of 9/11 — affected him most deeply. “Quite frankly the victims and their suffering have left some scars, but have also taught me to love those I love and enjoy what I have,’’ he wrote.