05/19/2026
We will miss Jim at our annual Christmas dinner. Paula and Jim were always there for the holidays! ~ Mary Turner Stoots
James Wesley Sharps, 83, of Pickerington, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on May 15, 2026. He was born on November 27, 1942, in Columbus to the late Paul Edwin Sharps and Lois Miller Sharps.
Jim was a 1960 graduate of Reynoldsburg High School. At the age of 17, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Saratoga (CVA-60). Following his honorable discharge, Jim began a career in the printing industry, first as a driver and later as a typesetter for Heers Print Shop.
In 1977, Jim answered another call to service by joining the Truro Township Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter. Through dedication and leadership, he progressed through the ranks to become Fire Chief. Jim continued his education, earning an associate degree. He instructed at the Ohio Fire Academy and for the International Association of Fire Fighters, sharing his expertise with firefighters across the state and the country. He was a paramedic for the Mount Carmel Mobile Intensive Care Unit.
Jim met Paula at the Ohio Fire Academy, and they married in 1988. Together, they shared 38 wonderful years of marriage with their blended family, enjoying fun and themed celebrations together. They were active members of the PT Cruiser Club and the Happy Trails Dance Club. Many happy memories were made cruising and traveling together with friends, including attending many annual Saratoga reunions. One of Jim’s final trips was Honor Flight 135.
Jim was a lifelong supporter of his community and a proud member of numerous organizations, including the Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society; American Legion Post 283; the Reynoldsburg Senior Center; CORF-4 Unit; the International Association of Fire Chiefs; and the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Virginia “Ginny” Mae Pickering Sharps, and his daughter, Jill Diane Sharps Arp.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Paula; sister, Paula Sharps Martin (Junny); son, Jeff Sharps (Robin); stepdaughters, Debbie Ohler (Donna) and Beth Ohler Meek (Brian); son-in-law, Chris Arp; grandchildren, Michael Arp (Irina), Megan Arp Katz (Josh), Josh Arp (Michael), Morgan Sharps, Garrett Sharps, EC Meek, Lucy Meek, and Layla Meek; great-grandchildren, Leo and Maddie Arp; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.
Jim will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to service, his love for family and friends, and his generous spirit. Whether in uniform, at the print shop, on the dance floor, or surrounded by those he loved, Jim brought dedication, warmth, and laughter to every part of his life. His legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him.
The family would like to express their appreciation for the many day-care, respite-care, and healthcare workers, support groups, and the VA for all the care and resources provided through the years.
Instead of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Jim Sharps at www.dementiasociety.org or to the Reynoldsburg-Truro Historical Society, PO Box 144, Reynoldsburg OH 43068-0144
The family will accept visitors Friday, May 22, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM and Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00-12:00 PM, immediately followed by a brief service at the Pfeifer-Woodyard Funeral Home, 7915 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 43068.
Pfeifer-Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.