Jimmy "Jim" Ray Sharp

Born August 7, 1937 in Buffalo, Missouri to Granville and Minnie (Gault) Sharp, he married Wilma N. “Tootie” Hill on August 7, 1955 in Louisburg. She died October 5, 2015 in Pekin. He was also preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Brittany Sharp.

Surviving are two sons, Warren (Tami) Sharp and Greg (Renee) Sharp, both of Pekin; three grandchildren, Christopher (Claire) Sharp, Tara (Kim) Picken, Cory (Elizabeth) Sharp; nine great-grandchildren, Olivia Sharp, Gage Picken, Jace Tassart, Harper Picken, Gavin Sharp, Blair Picken, Landon Barcomb, Benjamin Sharp and Nora Sharp; one sister, Shirley Rodelander of Lebanon, Missouri and four brothers, Bob Sharp, Bill Sharp and Gary Sharp, all of Buffalo, Missouri and Rex Sharp of Halfway, Missouri.

Jim had worked as a core setter at Caterpillar, Inc. in Mapleton for 30 years before retiring in 1990. He was an active member of the UAW Local 974 in East Peoria, where he served as Union Steward, Chief Union Steward, Committeeman, Chairman of the Bargaining Committee and Central Bargaining Committee.

An avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, and coaching his boys in their early years. He also loved watching his grandchildren play ball.

Jim formerly attended Summit Point Church in East Peoria.

His public visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A private funeral service will follow. His nephew, Brent Sharp will officiate. Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Susan G. Komen Foundation, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380 in honor of his granddaughter, Brittany.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com