Mr. James A. Sharp, age 79, of Grand Rapids, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, January 16, 2009.  At the age of 13, Jim worked and was a farm hand.  He also worked at Colonial Bakery along with his brother, Duane.  Following his graduation from Wyoming Park High School, he enlisted in the US Navy and worked as an aviation store keeper while serving in Newfoundland.  Jim met Lois in high school, and they kept in touch by letter writing.  After the military he worked as an auto mechanic and did installation for Michigan Bell.  "Ma Bell" was what he called the company.  His children were most importantly taught about God and believing in the resurrection of Christ.  They learned from him about honesty, integrity, humility, and respect for others. Jim and Lois would bowl together, and later in life they were golfing partners.  Vacations were mostly golfing vacations with family and friends.  He is survived by his children, Mike and Judy Sharp and their children, Angela and Nicole, Dan Sharp, Mary and Chris Newkirk and their children, Tyler and Danielle, and Eric Sharp; brother, Keith and Gloria Sharp; sister, Marilyn Baldry; sister-in-law, Mrs. Janet Sharp.  Lois preceded him in death on January 25, 2004.  A service celebrating Jim's faith life and his physical life will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Rockford Reformed Church with Pastor Rick Tigchon officiating.  Military honors will be under the auspices of the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard with interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Spectrum Hospice.