Jimmie Lee “Jim” Tharp, age 85, of Dubuque, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at MercyOne Dubuque. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held in the coming months. Burial will be in Delhi, Iowa. Behr Funeral Home is assisting Jim’s family.

Jim was born on March 28, 1941, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Marshall and Marguerite (Ralston) Tharp.

Jim lived a full and colorful life, filled with family, sports, adventures, and a little bit of gambling. At just 17 years old, Jim joined the U.S. Navy, where he served for three years. During this time, he married Marion Martin, and they had three sons, raising them in Delhi, Iowa. Being a father was one of Jim’s greatest joys in life. He loved watching his sons compete in sports, offering a little advice along the way while always being their biggest fan. As the years went by, Jim took great pride in watching his boys become the men they are today.

Another great joy in Jim’s life was his grandchildren, as well as their spouses and significant others. Whether seeing them in person or talking to them on the phone, he was always eager to offer his wisdom on life, share one of his masterful stories, or tell a joke that would brighten their day.

After Jim and Marion divorced, Jim married Jeannette Haren. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Las Vegas, where Jim found his true calling as a security supervisor for a downtown casino. After an 11-year run, they moved back to Delhi and split their time between Delhi and Wellton, Arizona.

For the past nine years, Jim lived in Dubuque, enjoying the simple pleasures of life: family, friends, watching college and professional football, and the occasional trip to the casino.

Jim is survived by his three sons, John (Kathy Steil) Tharp, Michael (Po) Tharp, and Dave (Cari) Tharp; four grandchildren, Austin (Coby Yoshimura) Tharp, Sara (Cal) Lorenzen, Trevor Tharp, and Isabelle (Alex) Ghekas; his sister, Brenda Harris; former wife, Marion Pliner; stepdaughter, Lynnette (Mark) Schnittjer; and stepson, Scott Haren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jeannette.

The family would like to thank his good friend, Mary Meyer; the staff at Ecumenical Tower; and the staff at MercyOne Dubuque for all of their care and compassion over the last few years.

Cards and memorials in Jim’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Jim Tharp Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com