James "Jim" Allan Tharp

James "Jim" Allan Tharp, age 85, of Gainesville, Georgia passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024. Jim was born to the late Floyd and Martha Tharp on January 23, 1939 in Chicago, IL. He was the dear brother to his sister, Carol, and brother, Frank E. Tharp.

In 1962, Jim was drafted into the United States Army. His primary military occupational specialty was in artillery tanks and was later discharged in 1967 as Specialist 4th Class. He spent his career as an auto body technician and was a member of the Automotive Mechanic's Local 701 of Chicago, IL. His first wife, Sharon Soukup Tharp, had passed away from cancer.

In 1998, Jim met Mary Beth Petry in Downers Grove, IL. They were later married on August 21, 1999 and his family grew to include Mary's children: Paige, Donovan, and Shannon. Jim was a loving stepfather and proud to be a grandfather and great-grandfather. He and Mary fell in love with Georgia and relocated to Gainesville, GA in 2007. Jim loved to go fishing, world traveling, model railroading, woodworking and gardening. He was talented and designed a beautiful koi pond for Mary at their Gainesville home.

His memory will be cherished by his wife, Mary Beth Petry Tharp; stepchildren, Paige (Kate) Petry, Donovan (Michelle Davidson) Petry, and Shannon (Robert) Pitman; grandchildren, Alyson (Cody) Pagakis, Drew (Alison) Petry, Amber (Levi Ashe) Urso, Colin (Katie) Loyd, and Joshua Pitman; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Lauren, Reagan, Alexander, and MacKenzie; sister, Carol (Dale) Forney; nephews, Edward (Deanna) Rokusek and Casey (Amy) Forney; niece, Tish Zadar; and great-nephews, Cade Forney, Eddie Rokusek II, Dakota Rokusek, and Alex Rokusek.

Jim is preceded by his wife, Sharon Soukup Tharp; parents, Floyd and Martha Tharp; and brother, Frank E. Tharp.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Memorial Park North - Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Please consider donations in Jim's memory to the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org).

Memories or condolences may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com