Jay Tharp, Jr.

Jay Tharp, 90, of Albany, Indiana passed away on November 9, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.  Jay was born on April 1, 1932 in Ridgeville, Indiana to Jay and Myrtle (Wooters) Tharp.  He graduated from Ridgeville High School with the class of 1951.  During high school Jay was a member of the baseball, basketball, and track teams.  After high school Jay joined the Navy and served in the Korean war.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #167; AMVETS Post #12, and VFW, Geneva, Post #6751.

On July 16, 1955, Jay married Charleen Auker.  After marriage, they moved to Muncie for a few years, then settled in Albany for the remainder of their lives.  Jay was in sales for 53 years for Magic City Beverage (Muncie), Beer Company (Hartford City), and Terrance Smith (Anderson).  Never one to be idle, after retirement he helped his son, Phil, with his business Hoosier Flags; assisted his son, Jeff, in coaching girls basketball at several local schools, and daughter, Stacy, with her company JC Tees.

Jay was an avid sports fan, with his favorite teams being the Colts, Pacers, and Reds.  He rarely missed watching any of their games.  He also loved little league baseball and even traveled to the world championship games a couple years ago.  He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and fishing.  Most of these activities were enjoyed with family members, especially during their yearly family vacations.  He and Charleen also traveled with friends on many golf outings.  Jay loved spending time with his family during weekends and holidays. 

As someone who never knew a stranger and always had a story to tell.  One of his favorite things to do was to spend time at Outfitters “shooting the breeze” with the employees.  As expected of one born on April Fool’s Day, Jay was always joking around, often exceeding everyone’s expectations. 

Survivors include his three children, Jeff (Joyce) Tharp of Parker City, Phil (Lisa) Tharp of Muncie, and Stacy Tharp-Rench (Jeff) of Dunkirk; nine grandchildren, Linsey (Tim) Kingen, Noah (Val) Tharp, Amy Stump, Jennifer (Mark) Thornburg, Chad Fields, Melissa (Greg) Martin, Niki (Jacob) Salinas, Monica Mays, and Matthew (Katie) Mays; five great-grandchildren Cayden Kingen, Lincoln Tharp, Drake Mays, Sophia and Jay Salinas; a brother, Larry “Pete” (Susy) Tharp; and a host of family and friends.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents, wife of 63 years, Charlene, and brother, Jim Tharp.

Jay requested to be “awake at his wake” which was his 90th birthday party held on April 3, 2022.  A huge thank you to everyone who attended the party – it truly made his day.  In keeping with his wishes, there will be no public services.

Donations in Jay’s memory can be made to Cowan Girls’ Basketball.

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