World War II Veteran celebrates his 100th birthday

MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – A World War II Veteran held a big celebration today in Manhattan.

Jim Sharp a Morris County native turned 100 years old this week. He devoted his early years to working at the family farm. Despite having two older brothers already serving in World War II, Jim surrendered his farm deferment and volunteered for the U.S. Army in 1944 at 19. He was a replacement during the Battle of the Bulge for Co. B, 18th Infantry Regiment First Infantry Division, and landed in the European Theater of Operations at LeHarve, France. He earned three battle stars, and a bronze star, and was wounded in action.

Following his Battle of the Bulge service, he was selected to be a Guard at the Nuremberg trials. Upon his return to Kansas, he utilized the G.I. Bill to attend Kansas State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1950. Following his graduation, he began his career in database management with the Kansas Farm Bureau, ultimately retiring as Manager of Information Systems. He was an independent Business Systems Consultant and taught Information Systems classes at K-State and Ft. Riley.

On the personal side, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn “Mickey” Mitchell, also of rural Morris County in 1950. To this union were born three children. Their children and spouses are Janet (Bob) Robinson, Wichita; Doug (Pauline) Sharp, Wichita, and Brian (Jeanny) Sharp, Topeka. The couple was married for 69 years. His wife died in 2015 following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s an awfully good feeling to have so many family and friends come here and help me celebrate my 100th birthday, that’s been a long time, I met a lot of these people, and I knew a lot of them before,” said Sharp.

He later wrote three books — two on his war experiences and a third titled Black Settlers on the Kaw Indian Reservation.

Jim remained active in the community – attending K-State sporting events, Kiwanis, Vista Coffee Group, and American Legion VFW activities – including being a founding member and first president of the NE Kansas Battle of the Bulge organization, raising awareness and funds for the preservation of Manhattan’s Peace Memorial Auditorium for WWII veterans, Riley and Morris County Historical Societies, College Avenue United Methodist Church and raising cattle on the family’s Century Farm in rural Morris County. He sold his final herd of cattle earlier this year. He enjoys spending time at various community events with his friend and frequent companion, Mary Lu Haas.

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