Mr. James E. Sharpe, age 89 of Soperton passed away on Thursday morning, January 1, 2026 at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin.

Born in Toombs Couty, he was one of eighteen children born into his family.  He grew up in Alston and Cedar Crossing where he attended school before joining the United States Army.  Upon being honorably discharged, he returned home and met his future wife Johnnie Mae Thigpen, of the Zaidee Community.  They would wed in the early 1960s.

Mr. Sharpe has driven eighteen wheelers since his early 20s but took a break in the 70s and 80s while he owned and operated Sharpes Welding, Fabrication and Garage in Soperton.  During the 1980s and 90s he worked as a Manager with Altamaha Gas in Metter and Glenville.   After retiring he went back to driving trucks, which he continued until the age of 81.

He was an avid fan and successful driver of Stock Class race cars at various dirt tracks around the area; especially Swainsboro, Dublin and Florida, where he was widely known and respected.

In addition to his parents. Mr. Sharpe is preceded in death by his former wife who passed away in 2018; a daughter, Marie Sharpe; son, Dennis Sharpe; siblings, Faye Collins, Buddy Sharpe, Sudie Fowler, Martin Sharpe, W. E. Sharpe, Jessie Sharpe, Houston Sharpe, Bill Sharpe, six infant siblings and grand-daughters, Sierra and Candy Sharpe.

He leaves behind, his sons, James Allen "Jimmy" Sharpe, Vidalia, GA, Donnie Sharpe, Soperton, GA; a brother, Howell Sharpe (Kathy), Lyons, GA; a sister, Louise Blair, Vidalia, GA; grandchildren, Jimmy Dewayne Sharpe Jr. (Danielle) and Amber Brooke Sharpe; as well as countless nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in the Billy Williams Chapel of Sammons Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Sweat officiating.

Mr. Sharpe will be laid to rest in the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.

His family will receive friends on Friday, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, at Sammons Funeral Home.

Please share a memory, leave a condolence message and sign the online guest register at www.sammonsfuneralhome.com

SAMMONS FUNERAL HOME, Family Owned and Operated Since 1917.

912-529-4411 or 478-455-0671