Obituary of James Campbell Wharton

James Campbell Wharton, Jr., of Beaufort, SC, known as Jim to friends, age 84, passed away peacefully at home with his family, February 12, 2024. Jim was born in East Orange, NJ to James and Lois Wharton ( deceased). Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer Heyd, sister Janet Simon of FL, sons James Campbell 111 and wife Jennifer Dieste of Cumming, GA, Jason Scott and wife, Lou Ann of FL, step son George F Cormeny 111 “Trip” and wife Diana Walsh of Rutherfordton, NC, step daughter, Amanda Heyd Harrison of Savannah, GA. Jim was known as Pop Pop to his eight grandchildren and four grandchildren.

Jim was born May 30,1939 and grew up in Montclair, NJ. He graduated from Montclair High School. He continued his education at University of Maryland where he earned a BS Dgree in Civil Engineering. He was a licensed Professional Engineer. Jim followed the path of his father and grandfather and went to work in the construction industry. His career was on heavy construction projects including: participation in the construction of the Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah, the Savannah River Nuclear Facility in GA, the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power plant in MI, the Waterbury Dam in VT, the Home Insurance Tower in lower Manhattan, the Ellis Square Underground Parking facility in GA along with many projects in Washington, DC including: the Fords Theater, the Library of Congress Annex, the Federal Reserve Annex, the Freer Gallery of Art and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Jim’s career included work at Spencer, White and Prentis, Raito, Inc. and ten years running his own company, Wharton Construction, in Washington m, DC.

Following Jim’s retirement he pursued his life long interest in boating, obtained his USCG 50 ton Masters License and delivered pleasure boats along the East Coast. He was a Kairos Prison Ministry volunteer, a Beaufort Dragon Boat volunteer, and a docent at St. Helena Anglican Church in Beaufort.

Jim's service and burial will be March 2nd at St Helena Anglican Church at 10:00 am.

Donations can be made in Jim’s name to: Dragon Boat Beaufort, St. Helena Anglican Church, 507 Nee Castle Street, Beaufort, SC 29901