James Peter Sharp

James Peter Sharp, age 78, passed away on April 2 following a brief illness. He passed at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on April 27, 1947, in Danbury, Connecticut, and moved to Merrick, New York at an early age. At the age of 16, after boldly declaring to his father Bert, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry” -- and three tries — Kathleen Cox accepted his invitation to dance at a CYO dance and the rest, as they say, is history. He became a fixture in the Cox household -- “He came over for dinner once and never left!” Jim and Kaycee were married on December 3, 1966, and remained together for the next 59 years until his passing.

In 1965 Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed at Camp Lejeune, where he began operating the Marine Corps’ new data processing mainframes. He served for three years, achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, and would always remain very proud of his military service. Jim would use his Marine Corps training well and made his career in systems and computer technology. After moving from Long Island to Pennsylvania to raise their family, Jim and Kaycee retired to Wilmington, North Carolina, and later to Augusta, Georgia, near family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Veronica, and his sister Sharon. He is survived by his loving wife Kaycee (and beloved dog Ella), their children Michael, Jennifer, and Patrick, eight cherished grandchildren and many more family members.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He had a huge heart and was a very kind and gentle man with a quick wit and a wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humor that allowed him to make and keep friends easily. He took great joy in making others laugh and had a wonderful way of putting people at ease and making everyone immediately feel welcome and part of the family.

Jim, or “Pop Jim” as he was known, was a great dancer, drummer, gymnast, and wrestler in his earlier days, and although he loved music he could not carry much of a tune, but that never stopped him from joining in with his characteristic enthusiasm. He was also a huge fan of hockey and followed collegiate wrestling and other combat sports.

He was many things to many people. A light has dimmed with his passing, but his family and friends will cherish his memory. He will be remembered for his love, his guidance and his friendship, and for his big, ready smile.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com