March 3, 1935 - February 6, 2019
It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of James William "Jim" Sharpe on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, with his family by his side.
Jim was born March 3, 1935 in Yorkton, SK to Lloyd and Eleanor (nee Heslop) Sharpe. The family moved to Toronto, ON and lived there for five years when Lloyd was overseas serving his country in WWII. After the war they lived in Saskatoon, SK for two years and eventually settled in Weyburn, SK where Jim graduated high school.
In 1953 Jim enrolled in UBC in Vancouver, BC to study Architectural Engineering. It was there he met the love of his life, Louisa "Lisa" Pentland and they were married October 8, 1956. They raised their three children in Vancouver while Jim worked as a BC Land Surveyor. He obtained his commission in 1959 and in 1962 he started Sharpe and Parnell Land Surveyors. In 1964 they amalgamated with Underhill & Underhill Surveyors and Jim became a partner in the company. His very successful career took him all over the province of BC and into the Yukon.
While on a project for BC Hydro, Jim discovered the East Kootenay region in 1979 and fell in love with the rivers, mountains and pace of life. Jim and Lisa decided to move to the Cranbrook area in 1980 where he continued his career as a professional surveyor. Jim's integrity and hard work were key factors in his professional career and he mentored many young surveyors and developers. His knowledge of the Condominium Act was legendary, and he was often consulted upon by various agencies, lawyers and developers for information on strata developments. In 2000 Jim 'retired' and sold his business to the Focus Corporation however he remained as a professional consultant and mentor for many years. Jim was also Past President and Life Member of the Corporation of BC Land Surveyors.
Jim and Lisa moved from their rural home in Mayook to Marysville in 2006, where they could be closer to family and friends. They loved to travel and saw much of the world, but Hawaii was their favourite place to unwind and they visited there many times. The family also enjoyed their cabin on Mayne Island in the BC Gulf Islands and they took many ski trips in BC during the winter. Jim was a proficient wood worker and he loved to golf. He also was a master wine maker and family and friends enjoyed many years of Sharpe wine. Other activities he enjoyed included curling, reading and mastering the BBQ.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Lisa, their children Mary (Ken) Green, Eric (Doreen) Sharpe and Jean (George) Terpsma; grandchildren: Jeffrey (Kayley), Lisa (Jared), Kristen (Rob), James (Madi), Heather, Blake, Kate (Evan) and Doug (Leanne), and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother John (Joan) Sharpe, sister-in-law Trudy Friesen, numerous cousins and nieces and nephews. Jim is predeceased by his parents Lloyd and Eleanor and his sisters Mavis Pearson and Sunni Glaze.
The family would like to thank Dr. Nishi for her wonderful care that went above and beyond expectations and Dr. Buddo and the Kimberley Home Care Nurses for their compassionate care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Bootleg Gap Golf Course Clubhouse in Kimberley, BC. Please come dressed in casual golf or Hawaiian attire.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to BC Cancer Research. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com.
Service Details
1:00 PM