Shelbyville Gazette - May 19, 1938 - page 1 James Niel Sharp passed away at 1:30 at the home of his daughter Mrs. James Norton in Summit Township. James Niel Sharp was bornn in Bedford County, Tennessee, November 27, 1860, the son of Graham Butcher and Almeda Dunaway Sharp. He attended the public school of Flat Creek, Tennessee, and attended college and law school at Shelbyville. He moved to Missouri with he parents in 1883, and settled on a farm near Appleton City. November 26, 1885, he was united in marriage with Miss Katie Lou Clark, and to this union three daughters were born, Dixie B. Sexton, now residing in Walteria, California, Prue K. Bowman, Canango Park, California, and Mary G. Norton, Butler Missouri. In 1895 he moved to a farm near Passaic where he made his home until his death. His wife preceded him in death a number of years ago. During the last few months of his critical illness he received tender care in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Norton. Funeral services were held at the Culver Chapel, Saturday afternoon, April 30, 1938, conducted by Rev. Chas. R. Swofford of the Methodist Church assisted by Carl J. Henry. Burial was made in Oak Hill Cemtery. "Colonel" Sharp, as he was called by all who were his friends, and they were many, was a man who liked folks, and nature. He saw beauty in all forms of life, and his appreciation of beauty found expression in beautiful language, with which he was gifted. He spoke the language of the poets, and shared in their dreams. He saw something back beyond the tangible things of life that must have inspired him with a faith that comes to men who have caught the secret of life. A philosopher, he was continually asking "why?', and was known as a good story teller. Many of his articles were published in the press. He served Bates County as representative in the lower house of the general assembly during two terms, 1915 and 1917.