James Patrick Sharpe, died peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 at the age of 79. Born to Leo and Mary (O’Hara) Sharpe on Feb. 1, 1939 in Chicago, the second-eldest of six, he attended St. Peter Canisius until the family moved to Oak Park in 1950. He attended Oak Park and River Forest High School and, in 1956, joined the U.S. Marine Corp, serving until 1960.
Upon returning, he met the love of his life, Camille (Lentini), they were married in 1961, and moved to Springfield where he attended the University of Illinois, majoring in electrical engineering. Jim was hired by AT&T in the mid-1960s and went on to enjoy a 40-year career in the telecommunications industry. He later started his own Telecom Consulting firm until his retirement in 2006.
A social and active man, he was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America, earning his Eagle Scout designation at a young age and later serving as a Scout Leader. He proudly attended the 1969 Jamboree near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and served for several terms on the BSA Detroit-area council. He received high Boy Scout recognitions, including the Order of the Arrow and the Silver Beaver Award.
Upon retiring, he and Camille lived in Washington State and loved the peace of being near the water. He enjoyed working on computers, tinkering with all things electronic, hunting, and fishing. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton in Plano, Texas.
His family and friends remember him as a man of exceptional character and reverence, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Jim Sharpe is survived by Camille, his wife of 56 years; his sons, David (daughter-in-law Claudia Gonzales); his son, James Dale and partner Dorjette Kendall; his daughters, Karen Sharpe-Smith (son-in-law Carl Smith) and Kathleen (Kae) Sharpe-Drasin (son-in-law Benjamin Drasin); his grandchildren; Hannah Sharpe, Hailey Sharpe, Duende Sharpe-Drasin and Clio Sharpe-Drasin; his sister, Joan Horkay; his brothers, Patrick and wife Susan; Bill and wife Margaret; Kevin and wife Glenda; Brian and wife Pauline; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mary Sharpe, and his nephew, Tom Horkay.
A veteran’s ceremony will be conducted at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery on March 16 at 1 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 24 at Miller Funeral Home, 504 W. Main Street (Rt. 72), West Dundee 60118 from 2 to 5 p.m.
The family is grateful for the condolences, but declines flowers. Donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America.
