Jero Jay Sharp, 66

October 8, 1958 – November 2, 2024

Jero Jay Sharp, 66, of St. Ignatius, passed away at his home on Nov. 2 – just a few yards from where he was born. A proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Jero spent most of his life on the Flathead Reservation, a place he deeply cherished.

Born on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1958, to Naett Pierce Sharp and George William Sharp at the Holy Family Hospital in St. Ignatius, Jero grew up surrounded by the beauty and traditions of the land that he loved.

From an early age, Jero formed a special connection with the natural world, befriending wild animals in the woods that served as his playground. Once, he told his mother, “I love my Pink … it’s so nice and soft,” only for her to later discover that "Pink" was a wild male mink – just one of the many creatures he befriended.

His love for nature was matched by his love for community, as he delighted in dancing at Pow Wows, earning his traditional name "Little Palomino" in 1966 from Earl Old Person, and mastering the traditional stick-game from a young age.

Jero began high school in St. Ignatius but left after two years to join the Navy. His adventurous spirit thrived as he traveled the world on massive ships, gaining invaluable skills and training. Though his journey toward becoming a Navy SEAL was cut short by unforeseen circumstances, Jero returned home determined to finish what he started, proudly earning his diploma from St. Ignatius High School in 1981.

After graduating, Jero lived a life full of diverse adventures and talents. He worked alongside his father on fishing boats and in Alaskan canneries, even daring to swim among icebergs.

Back home, he became a firefighter with the CSKT Division of Fire, battling blazes across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Renowned for his chainsaw precision, he was equally adept at cutting firewood, posts, and even Christmas trees, which he sold annually.

A skilled tinkerer, Jero was known to “Jimmy-rig” his snowmobiles and motorcycles to perfection, ensuring they always ran, no matter the odds.

Jero also took pride in his role in the river reclamation projects in Dixon and Schall Flats, preserving the land for future generations. In quieter moments, he crafted intricate horsehair hitched belts, bridles, and other items. A lifelong learner, he devoured books brimming with unusual facts, often sharing his discoveries with a mischievous grin.

A lover of music, Jero traveled far and wide to attend concerts, and he found comfort in old Western TV shows and the works of Louis L’Amour. He also read his Bible often and collected angels, which brought him peace and joy.

Known for his ever-present smile and positive outlook, Jero was the kind of person who would go out of his way to help others, even at his own expense. He will be missed at family events and in his community.

Jero adored his four beloved dogs that miss him as well and kept him company until the end. 

Jero Jay Sharp was preceded in death by his father, George William Sharp, grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

He is survived by his mother, Naett Pierce Sharp; siblings Jera Stewart, John (Kathleen) Sharp, Joan Sharp and Fawn Sharp; aunts Valerie (Mike) Umphrey and Connie Pierce, uncles Nathan (Kathy) Pierce and Daryl (Becky) Lozeau; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Evening services will be held at Foster Funeral home on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at 7 p.m. Closing services will be held at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizens Center on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius, and a meal in Jero’s honor after the burial back at the Senior Center.