James Patrick Sharpe

Jim was born to parents Leo and Mary (O’Hara) Sharpe on February 1, 1939 in Chicago, IL. He grew up in Oak Park, Illinois one of six children. Attended St. Peter Canisius Catholic School where he served as an altar boy, later attending Oak Park High School. In 1956, Jim joined the US Marine Corp until 1960 and upon returning home he met the love of his life, Camille (Lentini). Jim and Camille married in 1961 and moved to Champaign, Illinois where Jim attended the University of Illinois majoring in Electrical Engineering. Jim was hired by AT&T in the mid -1960’s and went on to enjoy a 40 year career in the Telecommunications industry. Jim later started his own Telecom Consulting firm until his retirement in 2006.

Jim was a social and active man who was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America earning his Eagle Scout designation at a young age and later serving as a Scout Leader. Jim proudly attended the 1969 Jamboree near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Jim served for several terms on the BSA Detroit Area council and ended his service with the Boy Scouts by receiving high recognitions including; the Order of the Arrow and the Silver Beaver award. Upon retiring, Jim enjoyed living in Washington State and loved the peace of being near the water. He enjoyed working on computers, tinkering with all things electronic, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Plano, Texas. His family and friends will always remember him as a man of exceptional character and reverence, a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years; Camille; his son; David and daughter in law; Claudia (Gonzales); his son James Dale and partner Dorjette Kendall. His daughters; Karen Sharpe – Smith; son in law Carl Smith; daughter Kathleen (Kae), Sharpe – Drasin; son in law Benjamin Drasin; his four grandchildren; Hannah Sharpe, Hailey Sharpe, Duende Sharpe-Drasin and Clio Sharpe – Drasin. Sister; Joan Horkay; brothers; Patrick and wife Susan; Bill and wife Margaret; Kevin and wife Glenda; Brian and wife Pauline; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; Leo and Mary Sharpe and nephew Tom Horkay.

A veteran’s ceremony will be conducted at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery on March 16th at 1:30 P.M. Family and friends are invited to attend. A celebration of his life will be held in Arlington Heights, Illinois in the near future. The family is grateful for the condolences, but declines flowers. Donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America.