Penn State Football: Jim Sharpe, Franklin’s Late Brother-in-Law, Honored

It has been a tough few weeks for Debra Sharpe, the sister of Penn State coach James Franklin.

Her husband Jim, an avid sports fan, passed away last week.

Jim followed Penn State football, of course. But he also loved the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Dolphins. More importantly, he was dedicated to youth sports, especially when they involved his son Jeremy.

Jim was a coach and vice president of the Penndel Wildcats football league. And he was a longtime baseball coach of the Neshaminy Wildcats.

Given all that, it’s no surprise and of great solace to his family that football has helped bolster his memory. Franklin did so after the Ohio State game, when he mentioned his niece and nephew, Kendra and Jeremy, in post-game interviews on ABC and in his press conference.

Debra has taken to Twitter a few times to honor Jim, and did so again Friday night, when she posted a clip of Jim being honored at the Neshaminy-Pennsbury game, won 35-0 by Neshaminy. She also shared a photo of Jeremy in the team locker room with a Neshaminy player.

With Debra’s blessing, we’re pleased to share each of these tributes with you:

Awesome tribute tonight for my late husband Jim Sharpe he was dedicated to youth sports!#neshaminy#neshaminyredskin s #pwfootball #jimsharpe pic.twitter.com/AiWQgsqgok

— Debra Sharpe (@DebraSharpe10) October 29, 2016

This is what it’s all about around here. Counselor and camper getting ready for a big night. @coachjfranklin pic.twitter.com/uEPl1ZuY28

— Neshaminy Redskins (@NeshaminySkins) October 28, 2016

Jim I know you were watching you never missed one of James’ games 🏈💕… https://t.co/EJvcdJb15s

— Debra Sharpe (@DebraSharpe10) October 23, 2016