James Sharp, Ventura County native, died Saturday, May17, 1997 at the age of 87, of a heart ailment. Sharp, the grandson of a county pioneer rancher, graduated from Stanford University where he taught electronics and radio under Dr. Fred Terman.

During World War II he worked in New York as a field and radar instructor for Western Electric. He returned to the County after the war to manage the JM. Sharp Company ranches which he did until his retirement m 1980.

He remained active m the ranching community, serving as a director on the boards of Alta Mutual Water Co., Famers Irrigation Co., Associates Insectary, Fruit Growers Laboratory, the OJai-Tapa Citrus Association, and Citizens State Bank of Santa Paula, among others

He was always interested in education and served as a trustee for the Saticoy Elementary School District, Ventura High School District, Ventura Unified School District, and the County Committee on School District Organization
He recently retired from the Board of Directors of Santa Paula Memorial Hospital after 25
years of service. One of his passions was flying. He received his pilot’s license in 1939, and he was a long-time member of the Board of Directors of the Santa Paula Airport Association.

A memorial tribute will be held at the CP Aviation hangar at the Santa Paula Airport on Saturday, May24 1997 at 2 P.M.

Sharp leaves his wife of 18 years, Evelyn Balling Sharp, formerly of Santa Francisco, his daughter Norine Lunsford of Forest View, Missouri, 2 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces arid nephews. Graveside services are pending. The family suggests that donations in memory of Sharp be made to Santa Paula Memorial Hospital.