Jimmy Lee Sharpe

Jimmy Lee Sharpe, Jr., age 71, entered eternal rest on Friday, July 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jimmy was born on September 28, 1953, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to the proud parents of Jimmie Lee Sharpe, Sr. and Mary Sue Campbell Sharpe. He was the eldest son of eight children and the natural protector of his siblings.
Jimmy's early education began at Thirty-Third Avenue School, where he first met his first love, Victoria Thornton. The two were sweethearts until school integration placed them on different paths. However, time and distance could not separate the bond. Years later, they reunited and shared a beautiful love story, culminating in a devoted marriage that stood the test of time.
A proud graduate of Gulfport High School, Class of 1971, Jimmy answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Following his honorable service, he returned home and briefly worked at the Friendship House Restaurant in Biloxi while attending Jefferson Davis Junior College. He later embarked on a distinguished career with the United States Postal Service, serving diligently as a Postal Clerk for over 40 years until his retirement.
Jimmy's life was marked by deep faith and service. He was baptized at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church by the late Reverend Famous McElhaney and remained a faithful member throughout his life. He served on the Courtesy Committee as a greeter, was appointed Trustee by Pastor Lewis E. Ragins, Sr., and worked tirelessly with the church food pantry, often collecting donations from Catholic Charities. Alongside his beloved mother, Jimmy also volunteered as a reading tutor at Central Elementary School, demonstrating his passion for education and commitment to community service.
Jimmy's faith was rooted in his deep trust in the Lord. One of his favorite scriptures was Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path." This verse guided how he lived and served throughout his life.
Jimmy was a man who truly enjoyed life. He loved concerts, music, dancing, and was an avid fan of classic Westerns and Perry Mason. A true sports enthusiast, he cheered not for teams, but for athletes he admired-LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Lamar Jackson-no matter where they played. Jimmy himself was a talented and competitive athlete, enjoying racquetball, baseball, basketball, and football. Whether in a local yard or at a community center, he relished in spirited games of cards and dominoes with friends.
Intellectually curious and socially engaged, Jimmy stayed informed by following world news and listening daily to It's A New Day on JZ94.5, hosted by his classmate and friend, Stanley Rip Daniels. He was also a proud member of Classes United, cherishing the lifelong friendships he maintained with his fellow classmates.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie Lee Sharpe, Sr. and Mary Sue Campbell Sharpe; his beloved sisters, Jacqualynne Maria Daniels Skinner and Kim Y. Whigham-Wells; and his precious granddaughter, Khirstin Lott.
Jimmy has left behind a beautiful legacy of love, wisdom, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Victoria Thornton Sharpe; three loving daughters: Tahirih Quivada Daniels (Baton Rouge, LA), Tomeka Shante' Sharpe (Gulfport, MS), and Tashonda Monique Sharpe (Ocean Springs, MS); four grandchildren: Tiarrah Quashon Myrick (Biloxi, MS), Taylor Victoria (Amare) Williams Haskin (Gulfport, MS), Thijs Felik Levhon Lee (Baton Rouge, LA), and Jules Lee Sharpe-Austin (Ocean Springs, MS); and four great-grandchildren: Shiloh Emma Jewel Dorsey, Shaefer Grace Nelson, Shavi Rose Nelson, and Aja Jhene' Haskin.
He also leaves to mourn his two brothers: Eddie Campbell Sharpe and Joseph Durant Sharpe; four sisters: Mary Frances Blaylock, Gwendolyn Joyce Watson, Doddye Marlene Sharpe, and Terri Sue Sharpe, all of Gulfport, MS; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
Jimmy was blessed with a loving extended family, including his mother-in-law, Katie "Mu" Thornton; sisters-in-law: Ola Wilson, Linda Thornton, and Janice Thornton; and one brother-in-law, Melvin Thornton, all of Gulfport, MS.
A vibrant presence, a generous soul, and a quiet giant of service and strength-Jimmy was known as Lil Champ by some, Gila, Uncle Jim, or Mr. Jimmy by many, but his favorite title was undoubtedly PawPaw. His legacy of love, kindness, and service will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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