James L. Tharp

James L. Tharp, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, surrounded by his wife of forty-seven years and family. Celebrate James’s life by visiting www.andersonbethany.com to offer a memory or expression of sympathy for his family. Jim was born on August 24, 1947, to John and Betty Tharp in Greenville, Ohio, both of whom preceded him in death. He was a retired twenty-year Air Force Veteran. Jim joined the Air Force in December 1966 and retired in January 1987. He met his wife, Pamela Vannoy at McGuire A.F.B. in 1970, in New Jersey while both were serving in the Air Force. They were married on May 15, 1971, in New Egypt, NJ. He was a Vietnam Era Vet serving in Thailand during that conflict. After returning from Thailand, Jim was based at Andrews A.F.B. just outside Washington, DC, where he served with the Presidential Squadron working on the aircraft servicing the First Lady and other dignitaries. The family moved to New Mexico, where Jim worked for TMC in Roswell and he retired from NM State Highway in 2011. His favorite pastimes were barbequing, camping and doing any activities with family. In retirement, Jim enjoyed watching TV and dozing. Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Pamela; daughter, Victoria Tharp Nava; son, Brian Tharp; grandsons: Kalin James Tharp, Lawrence, Jason and Justin White; two sisters: Sharon Tharp Weitz of Celina, Ohio, Cindy Tharp Cawood of St. Mary’s, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements are being handled by Anderson Bethany Funeral Home of Roswell, New Mexico. A Service will be held at Ft. Stanton State Veterans Cemetery on Monday, April 2, 2018, beginning at 10:30 AM, with attendees being escorted by Patriot Guard Riders. Those planning on attending should be at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home, 2609 S. Main Street, Roswell, New Mexico, at 9:00 AM. There will be a Memorial dinner at West Alameda Church of Christ Fellowship Hall at 6:30 PM, with a DVD slide, where special moments of Jim’s life will be shared. James’s family lovingly wrote this tribute in his honor.

James L. Tharp

August 24, 1947 - March 21, 2018