James D. Sharpley

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Bolton High School University of Miami

FUNERAL HOME

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home - Sebring

4001 Sebring Parkway

Sebring, Florida

James Sharpley Obituary

James David Sharpley, 73, of Mansfield Center, beloved husband of Susan (Holda) Sharpley passed away suddenly on March 9, 2023 at their winter home in Sebring, Florida. Born on April 15, 1949 in Jacksonville, Florida, Jim was the son of the late David and Dorothy (Bell) Sharpley of Bolton, Connecticut and Prince Edward Island, Canada. Jim graduated from Bolton High School and attended the University of Miami. Jim learned to play the guitar from his father at a young age and he formed a band, "Jim Sharpley and the Sharpshooters," that played all over the Northeast in the 1970's and 1980's. Jim taught himself to play the banjo and he joined the band "Still Pickin" in 2010. Jim took over management of "Still Pickin" in 2018 and they entertained bluegrass and country music fans in Connecticut and New England until his passing. Jim was inducted in the Connecticut Country Music Association Hall of Fame in 2007. He also helped organize the annual Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival each year.

As a traffic reporter and Director of Operations for TrafficNet and Metro Networks in Hartford, Jim's travel advisories on radio and TV guided commuters throughout Connecticut and western Massachusetts for over 20 years.

Besides his wife, Sue, Jim is survived by his son David of Willington, and his brothers Tom of Coventry and Bob (Gail) of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Jim will also be missed by his kitties Atticus and Scout.

A celebration of Jim's life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial donations may be sent to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Arrangements entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

4001 Sebring Parkway, Sebring, FL 33870

Online condolences may be left at:

www.stephensonnelsonfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hartford Courant on Mar. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James Sharpley

Sponsored by the family.

7 Entries

Paul Watson

June 12, 2024

Jim's mother Dorothy and my mother Isabel Bell Watson were cousins. As a child and right up through college our families visited in Connecticut. During my early married years I recall one trip to PEI. I always enjoyed seeing Jim and hearing of his accomplishments. A couple months ago I found, and played, a recording of his: The Bonshaw 500!

Mick Oakleaf

September 10, 2023

I'm extremely sad to have just learned of Jim's passing via my mom seeing the memorial notice in The Hartford Courant. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Sue, his entire family, his fellow band members, and many friends and fans. When Jim led his band Jim Sharply and The Sharpshooters, I was extremely
blessed to be chosen to be the drummer from the summer of 1976 through 1977 and played on his album Northern Country. It was such a tremendous opportunity that I dropped out of college to continue with the band even though I had informed him upon my acceptance in late June that I could only play with them for the summer. We left for Prince Edward Island July 4th weekend to play for most of the summer there. Northern Country was released in 1977. Doug Clark, the owner/engineer of The Gallery Recording Studio in East Hartford in East Hartford, Connecticut produced the record. I was the youngest member of the band and remain extremely greatful for the opportunity which set the stage for my career in audio and music in New York City. Jim had a fantastic voice, was a terrific player, and should have been a major star in my opinion. Sadly, no record companies signed Jim despite his persistent efforts, and at the strong encouragement of my parents I went back to school. I reconnected with Jim a couple of years ago and we talked at length on the phone about those times and the subsequent years. I'd hoped to see his bluegrass band perform. Sadly that didn't work out. I will always treasure the memories and the many great times we shared. Jim will live on forever through the wonderful music he made. Rest in peace my friend.
Mick Oakleaf
[email protected]
New York City

Bill Koes

May 26, 2023

So saddened and shocked to hear of Jim's passing. I
played drums in Jim's band "The Sharpshooters" and working with him was one of the best experiences I've had in my 50 plus years of playing music. We lost touch over the years, but gladly I reconnected with Jim at one of his gigs at the Wapping fair last fall. We shared some great memories then and I'm glad to have seen him one more time. Heart felt condolences to all his family and friends. Bill Koes Strafford, Vermont

Debra Seelen

April 6, 2023

Sue,
I´m very sorry about the passing of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Perhaps one day we can get together here in Florida. I live in Brooksville and I´m on fb. I love you and miss you.

Debbie Sciacca Seelen

Lynn Rouleau

March 24, 2023

Sue, you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time, as well as the rest of Jim's family. There really are no words for a time like this. We know we have only one hope in these moments ... his name is Jesus, and one day you will see Jim again. But until that day, may you feel the tangible presence and comfort of the Lord all around you, as well as that of friends and family. Take care my friend. Love, Lynn

Bob&Georgia Miclette

March 19, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Cathe Brown

March 18, 2023

Sue,

We were deeply saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your husband. It is hoped that the love of family and friends will help you during this extremely difficult time.

Our Deepest Sympathies.
Cathe and Doug Brown
(From your CTDOT Family)

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