James “Jim” Harry Wharton, age 69, of Allen, Texas passed away August 25, 2012. He was born September 16, 1942 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Harry Wharton and Martha (Gaydos) Wharton. On August 7, 1965 he married Elisabeth McCarthy in Linden, New Jersey. Jim attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania and he received his MBA from Seton Hall University. Jim worked for Celanese Chemical Company in sales and purchasing and retired after 34 years of service to Pensacola, Florida. While in Pensacola, Jim was an active member of the community, joining the Optimist Club and serving on the Sacred Heart Hospital Auxiliary and Foundation. Jim was also president of the Mother Seton Guild. Throughout his life he had a love for travel. Jim and Beth loved to visit new places, especially on cruise ships. After beating throat cancer they returned to Texas in 2006. Poppy enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting activities and being a part of their special accomplishments. Jim was a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Allen, where he could be counted on for volunteer services. He also volunteered with the Allen Community Outreach.
He is survived by his wife, Elisabeth Wharton of Allen, Texas; twin daughters, Janet Culpepper and husband, Douglas of New Braunfels, Texas and their children, Madeleine and Analisa Culpepper, Ellen Smith and husband, Robert of Dallas, Texas and their children, Sydney and James “Jay” Smith; son, Jack Wharton and wife, April of Coppell, Texas and their twin sons, Jake and Graham Wharton and Knox Wharton; brother, Robert Wharton and wife, Kathleen (McCarthy) Wharton of Hilton Head, South Carolina; sister-in-law, Maureen Vincent and husband, Ken of New Jersey; four nieces and nephews and many other loving family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Martha Wharton.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 31, 2012 at St. Jude Catholic Church, Allen, Texas with Father Tim Church Celebrant. A Rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 30, 2012 at St. Jude Catholic Church
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, 520 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark, New Jersey 07102 or to the Allen Community Outreach, 801 E. Main Street #A, Allen, Texas 75002.