Nov 24, 2012

James L. “Jim” Sharp Jr., 73, of Washington, formerly of Chester, passed away Wednesday, November 21, 2012, in his home at Washington Arbors Apartments.

He was born September 27, 1939, in Savannah, Ga., the only child of the late James L. Sr. and Ida Porter Sharp.

Mr. Sharp graduated from St. James Catholic School for Boys in Chester.

He attended Villanova University and then enlisted in the U.S. Army in the Airborne Rangers, serving in Europe, and also served in the Army Reserve.

Mr. Sharp held various management positions after his military service ended, including production line manager, insurance broker and financial planner. His most recent employment was with Washington City Mission as a counselor/advisor, and he handled various other duties at the Mission. He ran the “Next Step” program at the mission, from where he retired.

He was an avid chess player and socialized with his “City Mission Family.” Mr. Sharp liked music, especially jazz, and was a good dancer.

Mr. Sharp was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington, where he was part of the Bible Study and Intercessory Prayer groups when his health permitted. He also participated in the adult program at the Washington County Health Center.

His greatest joy was to give help and guidance to young people. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mr. Sharp was formerly married to Christine Sharp of Washington, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Omar R. Watson and family; a host of cousins and friends; and a special friend and caregiver, M. Elaine Frazier of Washington, who will miss him dearly.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are paternal grandparents Joseph L. and Josephine Sharprello, who raised Mr. Sharp because his mother died when he was young.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Avenue, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor/director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. A funeral service will be held at noon Tuesday, November 27, in Trinity Episcopal Church, 550 South Main Street, Washington, with the Rev. Karen Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. Full military rites will be accorded by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 and the U.S. Army. Memorial contributions can be made to Washington City Mission, 84 West Wheeling Street, Washington, PA 15301, or to Washington Christian Outreach, 119 Highland Avenue, Washington PA 15301. Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.