BOYNTON BEACH – James F. Sharkey Jr., 98, died peacefully at home in his sleep on Feb. 26, 2022. He was born on June 17,1923 in New York City.

He had been preceded in death by his wife Pat; parents James F. Sr. and "Babe"; stepmother Margaret (Page); and sisters Agnes (Hugins), Joan Pat (Goodsmith), and Jo-Ann (Burnham). Sister Sharon (Bolen) survives.

Jimmy, as he was known to a loving network of family--and Sharkey to friends--was a connoisseur of art and wine; a colorful raconteur; a golf enthusiast on the links and in front of the TV; a devoted college football fan (Go Fighting Irish!); and an avid reader of crime and spy thrillers who scoured the local public library for new titles to devour into the wee hours.

Jimmy attended a Jesuit high school in Detroit, MI, which shaped his strong Catholic faith. His middle name was Francis, and his Confirmation name was Xavier. St. Francis Xavier was renowned as a Jesuit missionary on the Indian subcontinent and in Japan in the 1500s.

In World War II Jimmy served as a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, training to be a fighter pilot. He suffered severe back injuries when a plane he was piloting experienced mechanical failure and crashed. He made a remarkable recovery and completed his service honorably.

He was a salesman for Chrysler and Plymouth car dealerships for many years and later became a U.S. postal carrier. He also was a financial adviser. He spent much of his life with his beloved wife Pat in Charlotte, NC, where she was city clerk for more than two decades. They were active in St, Ann Catholic Church where Jimmy served as a lector. The couple shared a passion for art and assembled a collection of paintings. While in Charlotte, Jimmy also served as a consultant-buyer for a wine wholesaler, further deepening his expertise about wine and the wine industry, a lifelong interest. Anyone who ever shared a glass of Bordeaux or Pinot Noir with him can attest to Jimmy's impressive knowledge of fine wines.

Jimmy and Pat retired to Boynton Beach in the 1990s and immediately began making good friends and enjoying their new life in South Florida, including golf, Jimmy's favorite. (He liked to remind friends that over the years he had made 13 holes in one!) He volunteered his time as a tax adviser for seniors in Palm Beach County. Several years after retirement, his wife died of cancer—a devastating loss for Jimmy.

Jimmy maintained loving ties with his wide network of relatives and their families, both in South Florida and farther afield. One of Jimmy's favorite experiences was a trip to France several years ago with his niece Heidi Leigh, who owns a medieval castle there. He explored a beautiful part of that country, made new acquaintances, and further widened his knowledge of viticulture and fine wine.

After Jimmy was widowed, nephew Rick and wife Kathy Hugins and their daughter Nancy embraced him as a beloved family member. The annual birthday parties for him at their home in Coral Springs became memorable celebrations for Jimmy, family, and friends alike. And, yes, good wine—typically selected by Jimmy—always flowed.

Jimmy's recuperative powers and stamina sustained his health until recent months. His mind and wit remained sharp till the end. In his final days he was visited by loving family and friends, which he clearly treasured, and he listened intently to more distant relatives and friends who phoned to express their abiding love and affection.

In addition to Rick and Kathy he is survived on his sister Agnes Hugins' side by Barbara Hugins Wiser and Susan Hugins Elsass; Bob and wife Jana Hugins; Brian and wife Ryanne Hugins and sons Jack and Ethan; Kerry Hugins and husband Nick Hileman and daughter Vivien; Nancy Hugins; Paul Hugins; and Katherine Hugins.

Surviving relatives on sister Sharon Bolen's side include Margaret and husband Victor Loewer, and children Gabriella, Amanda, Nathaniel, and Noah; Kimberley and husband Roy Choma, daughter Kristina and son Gavin, and Gavin's wife Ashley and children Eliana and Liam. Also, Patrick Bolen and daughters Meghan and Olivia and her daughter Aubrey; and Daniel and wife Kathy Bolen and children Daniel and Sarah.

Surviving relatives on sister Jo-Ann Burnham's side are Heidi Leone Leigh and children Jennifer Hashimoto and Christie Leone; Susan Burnham, son Dustin and wife Kimberly Burnham, and son Lucas; Robert Burnham, son Ryan, and daughter Cassandra and children Victoria and Maggie; Elizabeth and husband Robert Tsironis and children Katherine, Nicholas, and Theodore; and Catherine O'Connor and children Abigail and Liam.

Jimmy was a longtime parishioner at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Boynton Beach. A funeral mass will be held at the church on Tuesday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m.

A small memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 16, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale. His cremated remains will be interned in the crypt, next to his wife's and near his father's and stepmother's.

The deceased had supported children's charities. Hence, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation via its website at rizzo44.com/donate .