James "Jim" Lee Sharp, of New Sharon, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side, under the care of St Croix Hospice, on February 28, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on January 18, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, Jim was the son of Merle and Helen (Busse) Sharp.

Jim's childhood was marked by frequent moves as his family relocated to various towns before he graduated from North Mahaska High School in 1965. After high school, Jim attended Universal Trade School in Omaha, NE for HVAC.

In June 1967, Jim married Mary Phillips. Later that year, Jim was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War for over a year. He was honorably discharged in April 1969. Jim and Mary settled in the New Sharon area, where they raised their four daughters.

Jim owned several businesses over the years, including the Texaco Station & Towing Service, DX and New Sharon Oil Company, New Sharon Car Wash, and EZ-In EZ-Out in New Sharon. He also briefly owned Gambles Hardware in Chariton, Iowa. Later, Jim worked as a sales representative for Grinnell Beverage for 20 years, retiring in 2006.

Jim was a dedicated athlete in his younger years, playing multiple sports in high school and then, fast pitch softball for McGriff's of New Sharon until he decided to hang up his cleats to begin cheering on his daughters at numerous sporting events. Jim was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan, holding season tickets for many years and enjoying tailgating with his brother and cousins before home games. Jim also enjoyed golfing with friends at Prairie Knolls. He remained a loyal supporter of North Mahaska sporting events throughout his life, attending games to cheer on both his alma mater and his daughters.

Jim was a member of the Coffin-Miller Legion Post 446 in New Sharon, honoring his service to his country.

Jim is survived by his four daughters, who he affectionately referred to as "his boys", Jill (Chris) Strawhacker of Ames, IA, Melissa (David) Hansen of Honey Creek, IA, Jody (Steve) Smith of Montezuma, IA, and Marcy (Ned) Wempen of Bennington, NE. Grandchildren, Jonah Strawhacker, Cameron Strawhacker, Claire Hansen, Ben Hansen, Grant Smith, Noah Wempen, Seth Wempen, Amelia Wempen and Naomi Wempen. Sister, Jane Snyder, sister-in-law, LuAnn Sharp, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bob Sharp, and brother-in-law, Don Snyder.

A funeral service with military honors is scheduled for 10:30 AM, Wednesday, March 5 at Smith Funeral Home - Grinnell. Family will greet friends at the visitation held from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, March 4 at Smith Funeral Home - Grinnell. Private family interment will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.

If desired, memorial contributions may be designated to the family for future benefit to local organizations of the families choosing.