John Phillip Sharkey

Mr. John Phillip Sharkey, age 69, of St. Martin, MS., passed away peacefully at home in St. Martin on Sunday, August 14, 2011, with his wife, Jean close by his side. John was born in Bath, Maine, on August 3, 1942. He attended school there and later served in the National Guard. He later came to Mississippi while working with Hopeman Brothers/U.S. Joiner. He had a gentle presence about him that all who had the chance to know him admired and appreciated. Lucky for us he fell in love with the coast and decided to make it his home. He never forgot his roots in Bath and marvelled about it often. John met and fell in love with Jean Lowery and they married. After retiring from U.S. Joiner, John and Jean enjoyed time together traveling, fishing gardening and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid New Orleans Saints fan and helped cheer them on to the Superbowl victory. His gentle nature will be sorely missed by all who grew to know and love him. John was preceded in death by his son, Terry Sharkey, parents, James Albert and Grace Sharkey, sister, Barbara Sharkey and brother, Jimmy Sharkey. Survivors include his wife, Jean Lowery Sharkey, son, Timothy Sharkey, brothers, Robert (Wanda) Sharkey, Dan (Pam) Sharkey, sister, Janet (Skip) Slason, granddaughter, Samantha Sharkey, grandson, Christopher Benoit, stepsons, Donny Ayers and Doug Ayers, stepgrandsons, Jordan Ayers, Andrew Ayers and Noah Ayers, and beloved companion, Sassy. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 17, 2011, from 6 pm until 8 pm, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Thursday, August 18, 2011, there will be a 10 am chapel service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Crestlawn Memorial Park. The family would like to extend a special thanks to St. Joseph Hospice.