James Edgar “Jim” Sharpe, a lifelong resident of Somerset, Kentucky passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at age 91. He was the son of the late Rector Thomas “Rex” Sharpe and Agnes Amanda Gregory Sharpe.

Jim is survived by his children: Sherry (Frankie) Girdler, Joseph (Debra Lambert) Sharpe and Jami Sharpe Fothergill. Affectionately known as “Pop” by his grandchildren, his is survived by nine grandchildren: Chris (Courtney) Girdler, Francesca Girdler, Trey Sharpe, Jessica Sharpe (David) Guffey, A.J. (Katie) Sharpe, Britnie Fothergill (Brett) Davidson, Chelsea Sharpe (Evan) Woolums, Kalyn Fothergill (Adam) Linville and Taylor (Paige) Fothergill. Jim is survived by eight great-grandchildren: Charleston Girdler, Channing Girdler, Farrah Micek, Dean Sharpe, Sam Stringer, Luke Sharpe, Brody Davidson and Emery Linville. His brother and best friend, William Gregory “Bill” Sharpe also survives. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mary Jo Murphy Sharpe, His son, James Edgar “Chip” Sharpe, II, son-in-law, Brent Fothergill, and brothers, Rector Thomas “Rex” Sharpe, Jr. and Charles Robert “Charlie Bob” Sharpe.

A veteran of the US Navy, Jim served his country in both WWII and the Korean War. Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church in Somerset.

Jim Sharpe was an innovative entrepreneur who dreamed big and worked hard to make many of his dreams come true. Jim started and operated several successful business ventures: grocery and furniture stores, restaurants, automobile and boat dealerships, marinas and houseboat manufacturing. Jim is recognized as the founder of the houseboat industry, having built his first houseboat in 1953. Jim received many awards over the years from the marine and boating industry. He was honored when Houseboat Magazine, on the 50th Anniversary of the building of his first houseboat, dubbed him “Mr. Houseboat.” Jim owned and operated Sumerset Houseboats until he retired and sold that company in 1996. His sons, Chip and Joe, and son-in-law, Brent Fothergill, then established and operated Sharpe Houseboats until 2012, where Jim dearly loved to hang out and visit with all the employees and boat customers.

Jim also loved his community. He and his brother Bill built Somerset’s first public swimming pool, started the youth football program and helped start and promote the early tourism initiatives in Somerset. Jim was very proud of having been recently inducted, alongside his brother Bill, into the Somerset High School Hall of Fame. Over the years, Jim employed many people in the region and the Pulaski Chamber of Commerce honored him in 2000 with the Distinguished Community Service Award.

Should friends desire, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, First Baptist Church of Somerset or your favorite charity in Jim’s honor.

A celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at the First Baptist Church with visitation from 12pm to 2pm.

A memorial service will follow at 2pm. Brother David Pendley will officiate the service.

Private burial in the Somerset Cemetery. Somerset Undertaking Company and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.