James Leon Sharber

Reverend James Leon Sharber, 85, of Windfall, graduated to his heavenly home on Thursday, May 11, 2023. He was born on July 18, 1937 in Maryville, Tennessee to his parents, Harold Sharber and Myrtle (Teffetellar) Sharber. Jim married the love of his life, Eva Sue (Newman) Sharber on December 24, 1956, (just before he left for bootcamp). The two shared 60 years together, before Eva passed away on January 22, 2016. Their marriage was an example to many of what true love and devotion look like!  

Jim attended school in Maryville, Tennessee. After high school, he joined the United States Army, and proudly served our country. He was a sergeant, and served in the 101 82nd Paratroopers in Fort Campbell, KY, as well as South Korea. 

Upon returning to civilian life, Jim began working for Continental Steel in Kokomo. He retired when they closed their doors in 1986. From there, Jim began farming full-time; work that he always enjoyed! However, Jim’s true passion was ministry, and his calling was very evident in his life. He pastored for over 60 years, 50 of those years were at Center Grove Baptist Church.  

You would be hard pressed to find a more loving and joyful man than Jim Sharber. He was the epitome of approachable. His sweet, welcoming, “down to earth” spirit drew others in immediately. Jim radiated God’s love and his smile lit up every room he ever occupied! He was incredibly outgoing, compassionate and helpful to anyone in need. He could make you laugh with his dad jokes, and in the next breath wow you with his wisdom. If you needed sound, Godly advice Jim Sharber was the man to go to. Simply put, he was a man of God and his faithful walk impacted many lives for the better! 

Jim loved fishing, golfing, watching the Colts, woodworking, and making his scrumptious banana split cakes. Above all, Jim was thankful for every day he was able to spend with his family, whom he adored! Jim will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him!   

Those left to carry on Jim’s legacy of love are children, Peggy (Jay) Tucker, Michael Sharber, Pam (Scot) Reeder; grandchildren, Julie (Kim) Ridenour, Eva Hamilton, Matthew Pasley & family, Joshua (Carley) Sharber, Kirsten Reeder, Brayden Reeder; great grandchildren, Alayna (Branden) Fitz, Abren Ridenour, Corissa (Chris) Hamilton, Dakota Lawson, Dravin Lawson, Tarron Lawson, Reagan, Riley & Rowan Sharber; great great grandchildren, Anakin Hamilton, Zoe Fitz, Eleanor Fitz; siblings, Eleanor Prince, Brenda (Frank) Hatcher, Linda (Kenneth) Teffetellar, Sandra Davis; as well as several nieces and nephews.  

Jim was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Harold & Myrtle Sharber; wife, Eva Sue Sharber; daughter, Angela Rose Doyle; grandchildren, James Hamilton, Ava Ridenour, Meagan Sharber; siblings, Murlin Sharber, Shirley Robinson, and Robert William Sharber.  

A funeral service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. In Tipton, with Jim’s grandson, Kim Ridenour officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors, will take place in New Hope Cemetery in Phlox (Howard County) immediately following the service.  

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sharber family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Jim with his family on his tribute wall.   

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