James K. Tharp

James K. (Jim) Tharp passed away peacefully on March 11th, 2025 at the age of 88. He was born in Akron, Ohio in 1936 to the late William and Dorothy Tharp and was a lifelong resident of the area. After graduating from Springfield High School, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Germany. After that he went through trade school and spent 43 years as a union sheet metal worker in Local 33. He was also a long-time member at Clearview United Methodist Church and, more recently at Uniontown Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife Gerda with whom he fell in love with while in the Army in Germany and with whom he was married to for 63 years. He is also survived by; his two sons Mike (Tina) and Frank (Vickie); grandchildren Ashley (Charlie), Sophie, and Josie along with his two great grandchildren E.J. and Margo and; his sister Dorothy; his many nephews and nieces; his friends here in Akron, in Citra, Florida and in Germany; his golfing buddies in Akron; and longtime friends and neighbors Bud and Ruthann.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Bob and Bill, his sisters Eenie, Joanie, Della, Helen, and Velda; his Daughter-in-law Tracy, and his grandson James.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 18th from 11:00am to 1:00pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, (131 N. Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44305) where Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm with Reverends Aimee Hare and Anne Fisher officiating.

Interment will be held at Hillside Memorial Park.

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