James G. Sharp

Published 8:38 am Wednesday, January 27, 2016

James G. Sharp, 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 22, 2016.
Mr. Sharp had been admitted to the Johnson City Medical Center with a broken hip. He had been residing in Assisted Living at Cornerstone Village, formerly Appalachian Christian Village, in Johnson City for several years. He was recently widowed with the passing of his wife of 67 years, Rebecca Alford Sharp, in May 2015.
Jim Sharp was originally from Elizabethton, Tenn., served in the United States Navy as a MMOM 2nd Class in the Guadalcanal during World War II and retired from the Clinchfield Railroad in Signals and Communication at the Erwin location.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Julia Sharp Lapeza of Durham, N.C., a son, James Kelly Sharp of Johnson City and a very special niece, Betty Lacy of Elizabethton. He is also survived by his cherished and adored granddaughter, Anne Lapeza Catlett (husband Rich) of Richmond, Va., and grandson, James William Lapeza II of Cary, N.C. Also left to love and hear stories of him are his two great-granddaughters, Ellyson Caide Catlett (7) and Embrey Adah Catlett (2) of Richmond, Va.
Jim was also predeceased by his father, James Kelly Sharp Jr., and his mother, Tracy Gross Sharp; brother, Karl Sharp; sister, Mabel Langridge; half brothers and half sisters, Maude Sharp, Leota Sharp, George Sharp and Charlie Sharp.
Mr. Sharp was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton, Tenn.; was a diligent worker in the church in all areas and sang in the choir until his move to Johnson City. Jim enjoyed woodworking, anything electrical or mechanical and his vegetable gardening each year. He was well known for being able to repair anything, his handmade furniture and his icebox pickles.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or First United Methodist Church, 325 East “E” Street, Elizabethton, TN 37641.
James G. Sharp’s “Celebration of Life” will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Elizabethton with Reverend Ray Amos and Mr. Charles Fitzsimmons, minister, on Sunday, January 31, at 3 p.m., with a brief visitation with family afterwards. Online condolences may be shared through www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, (423) 610-7171, is serving the family.