Horace J. "Jim" Sharp

H.J. "Jim" Sharp April 25, 1924 – December 23, 2025
H.J. "Jim" Sharp, beloved father, grandfather, World War II veteran, and proud Kansas State University alumnus, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at Good Shepherd's Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas. He was 101 years old.
Born April 25, 1924, in rural Morris County, Kansas, Jim was the fifth of six children and grew up working on the family farm, graduating from White City High School in 1942. At age 19, he volunteered for the U.S. Army, surrendering his farm deferment to serve his country during World War II. He fought bravely in the Battle of the Bulge as part of Company B, 18th Infantry Regiment, First Infantry Division, earning three battle stars and a Bronze Star. Although wounded by shrapnel with the scar to prove it, because he did not receive treatment, he never received the Purple Heart. Following combat, Jim served as a guard during the historic Nuremberg trials.
He returned home after the war to marry his bride and attended Kansas State University on G.I. Bill, graduating in 1950 with a degree in business administration. His K-State pride endured throughout his life, inspiring his children and grandchildren to follow in his footsteps. Jim built a distinguished career in the evolving field of Data Processing, retiring as manager of information systems for the Kansas Farm Bureau. He also worked as an independent consultant and taught information systems classes at K-State and Fort Riley.
Jim was deeply committed to his community and faith. He always said he felt a "hand on his shoulder" in the darkest moments of the war. He was a member of the College Avenue Methodist Church in Manhattan. He served as a founding member and first president of the Northeast Kansas Battle of the Bulge organization, and raised funds for the preservation of Manhattan's Peace Memorial Auditorium, and the KSU WWII memorial. He remained active in Kiwanis, American Legion, VFW, and local organizations. His contributions and service are honored at Fort Riley's 1st Infantry Division Museum, where his story and likeness are featured in the Nuremberg exhibit. Jim was an inspiration to all who knew him, and he was genuinely interested in you if you were lucky enough to be his friend.
Jim celebrated his 100th birthday in 2024, surrounded by family and friends, and received greetings from Kansas leaders and K-State officials. His life was a testament to courage, dedication, and love of family. Jim's love of history and the family's century farm in Morris County were an important part of his life. He authored three books regarding his service in World War II and Black Settlers on the Kaw Indian Reservation.
His children survive him: Janet (Bob) Robinson, Wichita; Doug (Pauline) Sharp, Wichita; and Brian (Jeanny) Sharp, Topeka; his companion Mary Lu Haas; nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; and a legacy that will endure for generations.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn "Mickey" (Mitchell) Sharp, after 69 years of marriage; by his parents, Colonel H.M. and Inez Sharp; and by five siblings.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday January 15th at Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, Manhattan, Kansas.
Celebration of life service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday January 16th, at College Avenue United Methodist Church in Manhattan, Kansas. Inurnment with full military honors will be held at 3:00p.m. Friday January 16th at the Parkerville Cemetery in Parkerville, Kansas.
The family suggests memorials to the Peace Memorial Foundation, American Legion, VFW, or the College Avenue United Methodist Church. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com