Joel H. Sharp, Jr.
OBITUARY
Joel H. Sharp, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, distinguished attorney, and cherished member of the Orlando community, passed away peacefully at his home in Windermere, Florida, on April 11, 2026. He was 90 years old.
Joel was born on August 24, 1935, in Salem, Ohio, to Joel H. Sharp and Lucia G. Sharp. He grew up alongside his beloved sisters, Lucia S. Dexter, Jean S. Miskell, and Frances S. Matthesen.
He attended Phillips Academy Andover, graduating in 1953, an institution he often described as the finest educational experience of his life. He went on to Yale University, earning a B.S. in Biophysics in 1957, graduating magna cum laude. He later attended Stanford Law School, where he distinguished himself academically and served on the Law Review, graduating in 1960. He met and married the love of his life, Winifred Johnson, at Stanford. He also earned an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University in 1963.
Joel proudly served his country as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1961 and the Florida Bar in 1964, beginning a long and accomplished legal career.
He practiced law at Johnson, Motsinger, Trismen & Sharp from 1963 to 1979 with his wife and father-in-law, and later at Baker & Hostetler from 1980 until his retirement in 2014. As a Florida board-certified tax lawyer, Joel built a respected practice advising small businesses and individuals on tax, business planning, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, and general strategy. He was a member of the American College of Tax Counsel and held leadership roles at his firm, including ethics partner, head of the Trust & Estates Group, and service on its Policy Committee.
Joel was deeply committed to the legal profession and public service. He served as President of the Orange County Bar Association and on the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar, helping shape its development. He argued matters before the Florida Supreme Court and was a founding member of The Florida Bar’s Certification Program. He also served as Chairman of The Florida Bar Tax Section (1976–1977) and was active in the American Bar Association Tax Section, chairing its S Corporation Committee.
Beyond his legal career, Joel was a dedicated civic leader. He served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce and helped found Arts, Inc. He served on the Orange County Charter Review Commission, whose proposed amendments were overwhelmingly approved by voters and later upheld at the Florida Supreme Court. He also helped lead the successful transition of a struggling local law school to Barry University, where he served on the Board of Trustees for 18 years and remained a major benefactor.
Joel married Winnie on August 6, 1960, in Orlando, Florida. He described her as his partner, soulmate, and best friend. Together they shared nearly 66 wonderful years of marriage, raising their four daughters—Jennifer, Rebecca, Gaelyn, and Margi—in Windermere, where their lakeside home became the heart of family life. He was immensely proud of his ten grandchildren—Torin, Julia, Tristen, Teah, Tamzen, Neve, Gemma, Ronan, Barnaby, and Sebastian—and delighted in being a constant presence in their lives. One of his most treasured recent memories was attending his granddaughter Julia’s wedding in April 2025 at the family home.
Joel loved boating, tennis, and travel, and had a lifelong fascination with animals, caring for peacocks, cats and many a fish. He appreciated beauty in many forms, especially music, including “Greensleeves,” and was known for his memorable and heartfelt toasts.
Above all, Joel was a man of warmth, humor, intellect, and generosity—a devoted family man and loyal friend. He supported his wife Winnie throughout her distinguished career, including her service as a judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeal, with pride and unwavering encouragement.
A memorial service to celebrate Joel’s life will be held on May 9 at 11 a.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park, followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law at Barry University: https://barry.elluciancrmadvance.com/giftportal/barrylaw
Joel will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.