JAMES POWELL SHARBROUGH passed from this life of natural causes at his home in Katy, Texas amidst the loving care of his family on September 13, 2023
He was born on March 10, 1931 in Overton, Texas to James Otho Sharbrough and Lillie Beatrice Propes. After graduation from Henderson High School in 1949, he moved to Houston to seek his fortune. There he met the love of his life, Wanda Jean Scott, whom he married on February 15, 1951.
Ever acting as one, they raised four children during 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s primarily in Alief, Texas.
An ordained Baptist Pastor, James passionately shared the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout his adult life. With Wanda’s support, he pastored at Camp Ruby, Alief’s Community Church, First Baptist Alief, Addicks and Orchard. They joined First Baptist Church of Katy upon moving to the area in the late ‘90s and became active in their Seniors department where James led occasional revival meetings.
He matriculated at Rice University, the University of Houston and Houston Baptist College though a degree eluded him largely due to his duties as a husband, father and pastor. Undeterred, he educated himself by being an avid reader of both serious and light literature. While the Bible was always his favorite text, he particularly enjoyed the works of Louis L’Amour and Edgar Rice Burroughs. His favorite pastor was Billy Graham and his favorite commentator was Paul Harvey, whose broadcast was a part of his daily routine for decades.
He also loved music and song and was admired for his skill on the harmonica. He was always ready for family activities and games with Forty-Two being his game of choice. He was a sports fan, especially football, rooting for the Katy Tigers, Baylor, A&M and U of H along with the Houston professional teams.
Though a pastor, his growing family meant that James also had to work a 2nd full-time job all of his life. Retired from WKM Valve after 30 years, he spent the next 20 years as a Safeguard Business Systems distributor followed by 8 years at the helm of his own small business, Sharbrough & Associates, until his stroke in 2005.
Post-stroke, his final 18 years were in many ways his finest. Though unable to walk or use his left arm, he remained an active part of his family, church and lodge. and continued to teach, encourage and inspire everyone around him with his character and spirit until his dying breath.
A proud Texan and fervent patriot, every day began with prayer and a trip in his wheelchair to the driveway to pledge his allegiance to the US & Texas flags.
A proud member of Katy Masonic Lodge, he was a Master Mason for 69 years, as well as a member of the York and Scottish Rites of Freemasonry.
He is preceded in death by Wanda, his beloved wife of 68 years; by his parents; his sister Lottie Sharbrough Francis, his brother William Calvin “Bill” Sharbrough and Brother Otha Cullen “Red” Sharbrough.
He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Lynn “Becky” Sharbrough Bailey and her husband John of Industry, Texas; his son James Bryan “Beau” Sharbrough and his wife Christine Sweet of Dallas, Texas; his son Richard Scott “Rick” Sharbrough and his wife Leslie Dunlap of Katy, Texas; and his son Carter Ray “Corky” Sharbrough of Katy, Texas -- by his grandchildren: Jamie Elise Bailey and her partner Kiley Sims; Eryn Catheryn Bailey Davoody and her husband Ferridhun; Carolyn Shea Bailey; Bailey Joy Sharbrough White and her husband Cody; McKenna Sharbrough Sutton and James Richard Sharbrough -- by his great grandchildren: Ayden, Owen, Margaret & Jasper Davoody; Artemis White; and Dicey Sims.
James Powell Sharbrough was a great man. He filled our lives with faith, hope, love, joy, laughter, comfort, guidance, strength and inspiration. His passing is deeply mourned. And though we know that he is with his Lord Jesus Christ, we request your continued prayers for our family during this time of grief and temporary separation.
He will be buried beside his parents in Old Pine Grove Cemetery, Henderson, TX at 10AM on Monday, September 18, 2023 with Carter Sharbrough officiating the Masonic Graveside Service. The urn containing his beloved Wanda’s remains will be interred with him.
A public Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 7PM on Monday, October 09, 2023 at Katy Masonic Lodge #1439, 3158 Katy Hockley Rd, Katy, TX, United States, Texas
The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for James since his stroke. We are especially thankful for the care of his RN Laura of 1st Texas Home Health.
Please direct memorial donations to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering supporting foreign missionary work, or to the Masonic Home and School of Texas.
Celebration of Life: tbd
Services
JAMES POWELL SHARBROUGH passed from this life of natural causes at his home in Katy, Texas amidst the loving care of his family on September 13, 2023
He was born on March 10, 1931 in Overton, Texas to James Otho Sharbrough and Lillie Beatrice Propes. After graduation from Henderson High School in 1949, he moved to Houston to seek his fortune. There he met the love of his life, Wanda Jean Scott, whom he married on February 15, 1951.
Ever acting as one, they raised four children during 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s primarily in Alief, Texas.
An ordained Baptist Pastor, James passionately shared the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout his adult life. With Wanda’s support, he pastored at Camp Ruby, Alief’s Community Church, First Baptist Alief, Addicks and Orchard. They joined First Baptist Church of Katy upon moving to the area in the late ‘90s and became active in their Seniors department where James led occasional revival meetings.
He matriculated at Rice University, the University of Houston and Houston Baptist College though a degree eluded him largely due to his duties as a husband, father and pastor. Undeterred, he educated himself by being an avid reader of both serious and light literature. While the Bible was always his favorite text, he particularly enjoyed the works of Louis L’Amour and Edgar Rice Burroughs. His favorite pastor was Billy Graham and his favorite commentator was Paul Harvey, whose broadcast was a part of his daily routine for decades.
He also loved music and song and was admired for his skill on the harmonica. He was always ready for family activities and games with Forty-Two being his game of choice. He was a sports fan, especially football, rooting for the Katy Tigers, Baylor, A&M and U of H along with the Houston professional teams.
Though a pastor, his growing family meant that James also had to work a 2nd full-time job all of his life. Retired from WKM Valve after 30 years, he spent the next 20 years as a Safeguard Business Systems distributor followed by 8 years at the helm of his own small business, Sharbrough & Associates, until his stroke in 2005.
Post-stroke, his final 18 years were in many ways his finest. Though unable to walk or use his left arm, he remained an active part of his family, church and lodge. and continued to teach, encourage and inspire everyone around him with his character and spirit until his dying breath.
A proud Texan and fervent patriot, every day began with prayer and a trip in his wheelchair to the driveway to pledge his allegiance to the US & Texas flags.
A proud member of Katy Masonic Lodge, he was a Master Mason for 69 years, as well as a member of the York and Scottish Rites of Freemasonry.
He is preceded in death by Wanda, his beloved wife of 68 years; by his parents; his sister Lottie Sharbrough Francis, his brother William Calvin “Bill” Sharbrough and Brother Otha Cullen “Red” Sharbrough.
He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Lynn “Becky” Sharbrough Bailey and her husband John of Industry, Texas; his son James Bryan “Beau” Sharbrough and his wife Christine Sweet of Dallas, Texas; his son Richard Scott “Rick” Sharbrough and his wife Leslie Dunlap of Katy, Texas; and his son Carter Ray “Corky” Sharbrough of Katy, Texas -- by his grandchildren: Jamie Elise Bailey and her partner Kiley Sims; Eryn Catheryn Bailey Davoody and her husband Ferridhun; Carolyn Shea Bailey; Bailey Joy Sharbrough White and her husband Cody; McKenna Sharbrough Sutton and James Richard Sharbrough -- by his great grandchildren: Ayden, Owen, Margaret & Jasper Davoody; Artemis White; and Dicey Sims.
James Powell Sharbrough was a great man. He filled our lives with faith, hope, love, joy, laughter, comfort, guidance, strength and inspiration. His passing is deeply mourned. And though we know that he is with his Lord Jesus Christ, we request your continued prayers for our family during this time of grief and temporary separation.
He will be buried beside his parents in Old Pine Grove Cemetery, Henderson, TX at 10AM on Monday, September 18, 2023 with Carter Sharbrough officiating the Masonic Graveside Service. The urn containing his beloved Wanda’s remains will be interred with him.
A public Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 7PM on Monday, October 09, 2023 at Katy Masonic Lodge #1439, 3158 Katy Hockley Rd, Katy, TX, United States, Texas
The family wishes to thank the many doctors and nurses who cared for James since his stroke. We are especially thankful for the care of his RN Laura of 1st Texas Home Health.
Please direct memorial donations to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering supporting foreign missionary work, or to the Masonic Home and School of Texas.
Celebration of Life: tbd
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