James Lee Sharp

James Lee Sharp, 83, a lifelong resident of East Canton, went to be with the Lord on September 4, 2025 following a very brief illness. Jim was born November 28, 1941 to Rhea (Driggs) & Edward Sharp. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Judith Ann Sharp, his 3 daughters and their husbands: Ann & Clint Quillen, Kelly & Rich Tharp, and Heidi & Troy Vincent, 7 grandchildren & spouses and 14 great-grandchildren: the “Quillens”- Samuel James & Jackie (Diana, Juliet, Annalise), Josiah & Kelli (Copelynn, Elowynn, Gideon), David & Ally (James, Jeremiah, Judah); the “Tharps”- Gunnar James & Bria, Kamryn (Braxton, Parker), the “Vincents”- Miquela & Joe Bergin (Jaxon James, Evelyn), Mackenzie Jean & Drew Sanders (Bo James); & 3 great grandchildren on the way, his sister Peg (Doug) Weiner, brother Mike, sister in laws & brother in laws: Beth & Terry Rick, Edith Irwin, Dale & Sue Irwin, Gloria Irwin, and many nieces & nephews and other loving relatives and friends.

Jim had a gentle, friendly spirit and humble heart. He loved his family so much and his greatest joy was spending time with them, especially the grandkids and grand dogs. He loved holding the babies and was so grateful for his ever-expanding family and the closeness they all shared. Jim and Judy met at East Canton High School and were married on February 13, 1965. 0ver 60 years of married life remains a testimony of dedication and committed love for each other. Family meant everything to Jim, whether it was supporting his grandchildren at their sporting and other events, spending Sunday afternoons together at Grandma Irwins, playing euchre on Friday nights, hanging out at all of the family get-togethers, or just sitting, holding, and gazing lovingly at the newest little ones, Jim was a devoted family man and embraced the role of Grandpa Sharp.

Earlier in life he was a gifted baseball player, posting an 18-2 pitching record his sophomore year at East Canton, including 205 strike outs, three 1-hitters and a no-hitter. He continued his athletic prowess playing class A ball, church softball, and as a near par golfer for many years. As the years moved on, besides supporting his grandchildren in their athletic endeavors, Jim had a passion for metal detecting and loved being the designated family baby whisperer and dogsitter.

Jim was always a hard worker and good provider for his family. As a young man, working as a gas station attendant and in a flower shop, then throughout his work career as a plastics plant manager and general foreman primarily at Merit Plastics and then Premier Enterprises, and after retirement as a custodian at two local churches and the Foltz Community Center in East Canton, as well as driving for Osnaburg Local School system.

Visitation for Jim will be Fri., Sept. 12, 6-8pm and Sat., Sept. 13, 10am until the time of the service at 11am, taking place at Sanders Funeral Home, 218 Nassau St. E, East Canton. If you would like to make a donation in Jim’s memory, please designated it for “cemetery care” at Mt. Tabor UM Church in East Canton.

Arrangements are entrusted to Sanders Funeral Home 218 Nassau St., East Canton, Ohio 44730. Friends and family may share condolences and memories online at

www.sandersfuneralhomes.com 

(330) 488-0222