James (Jim) W. Tharp was born in Blue Eye, Mo. in 1933, and passed away at his home in Springfield, Mo. December 15, 2022. He is survived by Betty Sue Tharp, his beloved wife of 70 years, his sister Patricia and brother Lyndle, three children, nine grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Edith Tharp, his brothers Patrick and Bobby, and two sisters, Judy and Yvonne.

Jim spent most of his early life in the high Mojave desert of California, returning to Missouri at the age of 15. While attending high school in Pleasant Hope, Mo., he met Betty Sue Scroggins – the center and focus of his life. Jim and Betty were married in June, 1952. In 1955 he completed his degree in business after two years of studies at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar and two years at Southwest Missouri State College (now MSU) in Springfield. Upon graduation he embarked on a lifetime career in the wholesale and retail footwear business which ultimately led to business interests in land, real estate, and banking.

Jim was a dedicated Christian who spent a lifetime in the service of others. He was a deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, Springfield, a long time board member of the Missouri Baptist Children's Home, and a trustee of the Midwestern Seminary of Kansas City, Mo.

The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be given to the First Baptist Church of Springfield, Mo.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 9:30 - 10:00 AM, with Funeral Service to follow at 10:00 AM, at First Baptist Church of Springfield. Private Family Burial will be held in Pleasant Hope Cemetery.