James Michael Sharp is an attorney and partner with the law firm Varnell, Burns & Sharp, P.C. in Cleveland, Tennessee. Mike grew up in Cleveland and graduated from Cleveland High School in 1979. During his senior year at Cleveland High School, Mike was elected Student Body President and was named the Captain of the Football team. He was also named Cleveland Jaycees Citizen of the Year in 1979.
Upon graduation from Cleveland High School, Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree (cum laude) in 1983 from East Tennessee State University before returning to Cleveland to work in the banking industry.
After working as Vice President in charge of Real Estate Lending for First American National Bank in Cleveland from 1983 through 1987, Mike then attended the University of Tennessee Law School in Knoxville, Tennessee where he earned his Juris Doctorate and graduated with honors in 1989. While at UT Law School, Mike was selected by the law faculty to the law school honor society otherwise known as the “Order of the Coif.” He was the recipient of the UT College of Law, Trial and Practice Award in 1989. He also received the UT College of Law, Interviewing, Counseling and Negotiation Award in 1989.
Upon graduation from law school, Mike returned to Cleveland where he developed his civil law practice and has been privileged to work with Charles B. Burns, Jr. and the late Robert Varnell, prior to Robert’s untimely death. His practice focuses on legal issues concerning an array of civil and business legal matters. He has served as a substitute judge and a volunteer Campus Court Judge at various schools throughout the community during the last 18 years. He is the recipient of numerous recognitions within the legal community including being named Volunteer Attorney of the Year by Legal Aid of East Tennessee for his commitment to providing legal counsel to those in need.
In addition to his law practice, Mike has served the community at large. He is a member and formally served on the Board of Directors for the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce as well as various committees for the Chamber. He is also a Board Member of the Cleveland Family YMCA, where he received the William F. Johnson Volunteer of the Year Award. Mike is also active in the local United Way along with numerous other community service organizations.
Mike is an active member of First Baptist Church of Cleveland where he is a Deacon and serves as a Sunday School Director. Mike also serves as a member of the Church Leadership Team and Building Development Team.
Mike has been married to his wife Melanie Anne Sharp for 25 years. Mike and Melanie have two children; Sarah Sharp Wangard, a graduate of Cleveland High School and a 2007 graduate of Lee University and Matt Sharp who is currently a senior at Cleveland High School.
