John William Sharp, age 72, of Tecumseh, MI, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at his home in Tecumseh, MI. He was born on January 8, 1952 in Springfield, IL, the son of the late Merle and Helen (Martin) Sharp. He was joined in marriage to Eileen Joan Bonk, and she survives.
John grew up in the farmland of central Illinois and learned to work hard. After high school, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a crew chief on B-52s in Vietnam from 1970 – 1974. John was well known in aviation industry for his professionalism and proficiency as an aircraft mechanic. He began working for American International Airway (Kalitta Air) in 1988 as Manager of Maintenance Control. In 1989 he became a flight engineer and Check Airman for American International. He was honored to receive the Air Medal Award from the United States Air Force. According to the citation that accompanied the award, he distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as an American International Airways crew member during the activation of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, from January to April, 1991, during Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM
Besides his love of flying, John was very much interested in drag racing, restoring cars, and collecting guitars. He always looked forward to the challenge of working on anything mechanical. Returning to his roots as a young man, he lived on a farm and enjoyed all the farm chores, including mowing and taking care of the animals.
In addition to his wife, Eileen, John is survived by his siblings, Kathy (Tim) Thomas of Springfield, Illinois, Janet (Don) Balding of Yukon, Oklahoma, Chris (Tom) Ritter of Springfield, Illinois, David (Tracy) Sharp of Palm Harbor, Florida, and Matt Sharp of Springfield, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, Robert Sharp, and another brother, Ken Sharp.
At his Johns request, cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Memorial donations in John’s honor may be made to Michigan Flight Museum (miflightmuseum.org).