Jimmie R. Sharp Sr.

Jimmie R. Sharp, Sr., 79, passed away suddenly and peacefully, on January 29, 2022, from complications due to exposure to Agent Orange, a result of his three (3) tours in the Vietnam War. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones. Born June 1, 1942, in Knoxville, TN., he was the son of the late Roy Luther Sharp, Sr. and Anna Ruth (Smith) Redding. He was the 2nd child of seven children. Jim met and married Judith Elaine Musser in Fort Wayne, IN in 1962. They embarked on a military life together raising and celebrating the lives of their eight children, she survives.

Jim was a career soldier. He proudly served and retired from the United States Army after 21 years of service. His military accomplishments and accolades include – Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, (6) Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (3 Campaigns), (4) Professional Development Ribbons, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Vietnam Civil Action Medal - 1st Class, Expert Marksmanship Badge (Rifle & Pistol), Combat Infantry Badge, 1st Infantry Division, the 26th Infantry Regiment—"Blue Spaders", Drill Sergeant Badge and the Army Recruiter Badge. Jim also obtained his Bachelors Degree in Business Administration - Finance, under the Military GI Bill. Jim retired from military service as a Non-Commissioned Officer - at the rank of E-7 - Sergeant First Class (SFC).

After military retirement, he was appointed by the Governor of Indiana to hold the position of Tactical Officer at Howe Military Academy, Howe IN from 1984-1986 teaching and preparing young inspiring students for a military future. In 1986, he embarked on a new position as a prison guard at Dade County Corrections, Miami FL. The year, 1989, brought him back to his love of travel, opening and operating his business, Ancient City Boat Transport, out of St Augustine Florida, where he hauled yachts and boats across the USA and Canada. He "officially" retired in 2007 in Fort Wayne, IN finally settling down near his children and grandchildren.

Surviving siblings include sister Judith (Sharp) Howe and two brothers William Sharp and Dale Sharp. Surviving children include, David L. Sharp, Kelly (Sharp) Geier, Sarah E. Sharp, William F. Sharp and Rebecca K. Sharp, as well as, his long-time companion, Mary Johnson, 24 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Roy Luther Sharp Jr., Charlie Sharp, and David Sharp, sister-in-law’s Martha Sharp and Marcia Hans and step-father, Raymond Redding. As well as, two sons, Jimmie R. Sharp Jr., & Daniel T. Sharp, one daughter, Linda A. Sharp and one granddaughter, Anne Marie LeShore.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday February 23, 2022 at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Fort Wayne. Immediately after, Jim will join his mother, step-father, brother & sister-in-law in eternal rest in Highland Park Cemetery with Military Honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.