Jimmy Narl Tharp

Jimmy N. Tharp was born on September 19, 1940, in Austin, Texas, to Homer Jean Tharp and Margaret Viola Swenson Skalberg. He departed this world on July 31, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Tharp of Winnsboro, TX; five children – Dane Tharp and wife, Tami of Grand Prairie, TX; Shane Tharp and wife, Dudsi of Rowlett, TX; Christorpher Jim (CJ) Tharp and wife, Sheri of Rockwall, TX; Trent Tharp and wife, Shondra of Caddo Mills, TX; and Tamarra Dedmon and husband, Tom of Dallas, TX;

step-daughter Jennifer Johnston of Winnsboro, TX; nine grandchildren – Andrea Carr and husband, Aaron; Alexis Tenison and husband, Damon; Anthony Tharp and wife, Lauren; Jaden Tharp, Bryson Tharp, Corban Tharp, Logan Tharp, Libby Tharp and Sawyer Tharp; four great-grandchildren – Torin and Sage Carr, and Olivia and Tessa Tenison; three sisters – Cheryl Hadsell and husband, John; Janice Garrison and husband, Larry; Betty Harrison and husband, George; and two brothers - Stan Tharp and wife, Glenda; and Tony Tharp and wife, Pat. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers James Tharp, J.W. Tharp, and Bill Tharp Burkland.

Jim was a Christian man and attended worship at the Church of Christ. He occasionally preached, often taught classes and led singing. He was always very active in any congregation he belonged to and took on a leadership role as a deacon. He held Bible classes in his home and undertook learning Hebrew and Greek.

After graduating high school Jim enlisted in the Marines and later served in the Alaska National Guard. He worked as a building contractor for decades. He started acquiring his building skills at the age of twelve when he began framing houses for Jim Walters Homes. He continued his building experience in Alaska where he learned masonry and owned two masonry companies. He became a large contractor, building two subdivisions of homes for two oil companies while the Alaska pipeline was being built. Throughout his career he built custom homes, apartment complexes, mini-storage facilities, and office warehouse districts. His last professional years were spent managing the building and maintenance for Ruibal’s Plants of Texas in Dallas. He was proficient in many trades and skills – and as many declared, he could build or fix almost anything. Jim’s greatest passion was flying. While living in Alaska he owned two planes and flew on a regular basis over most of the state. He never lost his love for and desire to fly. He lived in Alaska for 20 years, but even after leaving he always longed to return.

Upon his retirement Jim took over the management of the family farm owned by his in-laws. He and his wife continued to live on the farm after their passing. He named it Peaceful Farm and claimed it was his “heaven on earth”. Honoring his wishes, half of his ashes will be taken back to Alaska while the other half will remain in his earthly heaven at Peaceful Farm.

A memorial service will be held on August 12th at 10:30am at Beaty Funeral Home in Winnsboro, TX. The service will be officiated by Jim’s close friend and neighbor, Mr. Bryce King. A second memorial service will be held on August 19th at 10:00am at Saturn Road Church of Christ in Garland, TX. Donations in Jim’s honor can be made to Christian Relief Fund (www.crf.com), an organization that he and his wife have supported for many years.

Click here to view live broadcast.