Joel Herbert Sharp Jr.

Joel H. Sharp, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, distinguished attorney, and cherished member of the Orlando community, passed away peacefully at his home in Windermere, FL on April 11, 2026. He was 90 years old.

Joel was born on August 25, 1935, in Salem, Ohio, to Joel H. Sharp and Lucia G. Sharp. He grew up alongside his beloved sisters, Lucia S. Dexter, Jean S. Miskell, and Frances S. Matthesen. He attended Phillips Academy Andover, graduating in 1953, an institution he often described as the finest educational experience of his life. He went on to Yale University, earning a B.S. in Biophysics in 1957, graduating magna cum laude. He later attended Stanford Law School, where he distinguished himself academically and served on the Law Review, graduating in 1960. He met and married the love of his life, Winifred Johnson at Stanford which was most certainly his greatest achievement. He also earned an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University in 1963.

Joel proudly served his country as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1961 and the Florida Bar in 1964, beginning a long and accomplished legal career.

He practiced law at Johnson, Motsinger, Trismen & Sharp from 1963 to 1979 with his wife and father-in-law, and later at Baker & Hostetler from 1980 until his retirement in 2014. As a Florida board-certified tax lawyer, Joel built an extensive and respected practice advising small businesses and individuals on corporate and individual tax matters, business planning, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, and general business strategy. He was a member of the American College of Tax Counsel. During his tenure at Baker & Hostetler, Joel served as the Orlando office’s ethics partner, head of its Trust & Estates Group, and was involved in firm management, serving on its Policy Committee.

Joel was deeply committed to the legal profession and public service. He served as President of the Orange County Bar Association and on the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar, playing a significant role in its development. He argued matters before the Florida Supreme Court and was a founding member of The Florida Bar’s Certification Program. He also served as Chairman of The Florida Bar Tax Section (1976–1977) and was active in the American Bar Association Tax Section, chairing its S Corporation Committee.

Beyond his legal career, Joel was a dedicated civic leader. He served for six years on the Board of Directors of the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce and helped found Arts, Inc., which grew into one of the top art fundraising organizations in the United States. He served on the Orange County Charter Review Commission, which proposed amendments to the Charter establishing, among other things, a Citizen’s Review Board and enhanced protections for the environment, that were overwhelmingly approved by Orange County voters. Joel and his law firm then defended the citizen’s vote, on a pro bono basis, and prevailed at the Florida Supreme Court. He was proud of his involvement with a local law school which as an independent entity was beginning to fail. Through his leadership and the efforts of many people working with him, the

law school was sold to Barry University, under which it has been thriving. He served on the Board of Trustees at Barry University for 18 years and remained a major benefactor of the law school for decades.

Joel married Winnie, on August 6, 1960, in Orlando, Florida. He described her as his partner, soulmate and best friend. Together they shared nearly 66 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, and community. They raised their four daughters—Jennifer, Rebecca, Gaelyn, and Margi—in Windermere, Florida, where they built a beautiful lakeside home that became the heart of their family life. Jennifer lives next door, Rebecca across the street, with Gaelyn in Los Angeles and Margi in New York, reflecting the close bonds he fostered. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout their lives, exploring the world together.

Joel was immensely proud of his ten grandchildren—Torin, Julia, Tristen, Teah, Tamzen, Neve, Gemma, Ronan, Barnaby, and Sebastian—and delighted in being a grandfather and constant presence in their lives. One of his most treasured recent memories was attending the wedding of his granddaughter Julia in April 2025, held on the grounds of the family home in Windermere.

He was a man of many passions. Joel loved boating and tennis, rarely missing a match on television. He had a lifelong fascination with animals, raising peacocks (which he vigilantly protected from predators) and maintaining numerous fish tanks. He appreciated beauty in all forms, from orchids to music, particularly the song “Greensleeves,” and he could recite and reflect on the Gettysburg Address with deep admiration. He also enjoyed watching Star Trek and was known for his memorable and heartfelt toasts.

Above all, Joel was a man of warmth, humor, intellect, and generosity—a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He supported his wife’s distinguished career, first as a lawyer and later as a judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeal, with pride and unwavering encouragement.

He celebrated his 90th birthday in August 2025 surrounded by his entire family—a fitting tribute to a life defined by love, achievement, and connection.

A memorial service to celebrate Joel’s life will be held on May 9th at 11am at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law at Barry University. Please use this link: https://barry.elluciancrmadvance.com/giftportal/barrylaw

Joel will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.