James Tharp

James W. Tharp, 81, of Bourbonnais, formerly of St. Anne, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2026, at his home. He was born June 25, 1945, in Watseka, the son of Woodrow and Dorothy (Sears) Tharp. James proudly served in the United States Navy from 1965 to 1969 during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for his heroic actions. On June 7, 1986, he married Linda Landroche in Papineau, Illinois. A lifelong mechanic, James had a deep passion for working on cars and could talk about them for hours. He was known for his laid-back, easygoing nature and found joy in the simple things in life—working in the yard, watching MASH…but mostly Lifetime, and spoiling his beloved cat, Marlowe. James is survived by his wife, Linda Tharp of Bourbonnais; children, Gale (Thance) Springer of Pilot Point, TX, Darrin (Michelle) Tharp of Bourbonnais, Ann (Joe) Vulpitta of Lamar, AK; daughter-in-law, Stephanie (Mike) Burklow of Frankfort; grandchildren, Gaylin, Vana, Vail, Vance, Nathan, Katy, Anthony, Marcus, Dalton, Haley, Ashley, Riley, and Hailey; great grandchildren, Bonnie, Hudson, Grayson, Stetson, Benson, Hazel, Roxie, and baby Lucas on the way; siblings, Diane Legrand of Sioux Falls, SD and Donna (Bob) Moffitt of Shawnee, OK; sisters-in-law, Vickie Franklin of Bradley and Judy (Dale) Mulder of Graniteville, SC; many nieces and nephews; as well as best friend, Bob Moore. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeffrey Carroll; brother, Mike Tharp; sisters and brothers-in-law, Cindy (Joe) Cote and Al Franklin; in-laws, Joseph and Mary Landroche and Ernie Shannon. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10am until the memorial service at noon at Jensen Funeral Home, Kankakee. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made to Uplifted Care, Bourbonnais or River Valley Special Rec, Bradley.