James R. Sharp

PEKIN ~ James Richard “Jim” Sharp, 58, of Pekin, passed away at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at his home.

He was born January 29, 1959 in Stuttgart, Germany to Richard Runshe and Edith (Spengler) Sharp. 

Surviving are two daughters, Ashlee (Benjamin Becker) Sharp and Whitney (Wesley Garrard) Sharp, both of Pekin; his mother, Edith Leschinski of Tungental, Germany; two brothers, Gregory Steven Sharp of Moss, Norway and Jeffrey Michael (Barbara) Sharp of Tungental, Germany; seven nephews; eight nieces; his step-mother, Sharon Sharp of St. John, Missouri; and four step-brothers, Sonny (Donna) Miller of Pekin, Randy (Natalie) Miller of Lincoln, Frank Leschinski of Biberach, Germany, and Lewis Leschinski of Herrenberg, Germany.  Also surviving are his Greyhound dog, Dottie and his three grand animals, Carlos, Boxer, and Cookie.

He was preceded in death by his father; nephew, Daniel Sharp; and step-father, Reinhold Leschinski.

Jim worked at Matcor Metal Fabrication in Morton for 38 years as a welder, last working Monday.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Peoria, where he had served on the Landscaping Committee.  He also was a member of the Prairieland Koi & Pond Society.  Jim was an active platelet donor with the American Red Cross.

Jim’s interests included woodworking, cycling, R/C boats, and his water garden.  He enjoyed serving others by volunteering his handyman services in their projects (just no painting).

His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, 116 Northeast Perry Avenue, Peoria.  Pastor Bob Phillips will officiate.  The family will receive friends following the service.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Quad Cities Greyhound Adoption, 9525 New Liberty Road, Maysville, Iowa 52773.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com