One of the last surviving members of the Laguna Beach High School class of 1944, James Frank "Jamo" Wharton passed away on March 17, 2017 in Newport Beach surrounded by family. He was the son of former Laguna Beach Mayor J. Frank Wharton of Parsons, Kansas and Lela James Wharton of Westminster, California.
Although he lived in several communities in Southern California growing up, Laguna Beach was always home. His family owned one of the original houses on the boardwalk near the Hotel Laguna, so his life revolved around the beach: bodysurfing, life guarding and even meeting his future wife, Bettymae.
After graduation from Laguna Beach High School, Jim enlisted in the newly formed Army Air Corp. Although the war ended before he had a chance to see action, he was always extremely proud to have served.
After the service Jim attended Stanford University, Class of 1949, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In his heart he always considered himself a "Stanford Indian" rather than the currently politically correct "Cardinal".
Upon receiving his degree, Jim began what was to become a life-long career in the food business, starting out at Birds Eye Company, then on to Minute Maid Company, and ending with TreeSweet Companies. With his gregarious and outgoing personality, Jim developed many close, personal and business relationships that lasted a lifetime.
In 1949 Jim parlayed a summer beach romance with Bettymae Intlekofer into a nearly 46 year marriage until her passing in 1996. Together they raised three children: Christy, Jeffrey and Matthew. Three years later he met and married Stevie Ramer. They were married for three years until her passing in 2001.
The other love of Jim's life was golf. He began playing as a young salesman, using it as a great way to connect with his buyers. He continued playing well into his 80's and was proud to be a low handicapper. Post-golf he kept up with his buddies by meeting every Thursday morning for breakfast.
Jim is survived by his children: Christy (Bill) Netro, Jeffrey (Lourdes) Wharton, and Matthew Wharton. Also by his grandchildren: Kara (Matt) Bowdish, Bethany (Ryan) Flower, Aryella (John) Stickney, Lizzette Wharton, Alyssa Wharton, Amber Wharton, and Adrian Wharton. And by his great-grandchildren: Olivia and Lily Bowdish, Shaye and Leyla Flower, Sylus and Ezra Stickney, and Domenic Jeffrey Cima.
Memorial Service at Our Lady of Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 2:00 PM, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Reception to follow.
Although he lived in several communities in Southern California growing up, Laguna Beach was always home. His family owned one of the original houses on the boardwalk near the Hotel Laguna, so his life revolved around the beach: bodysurfing, life guarding and even meeting his future wife, Bettymae.
After graduation from Laguna Beach High School, Jim enlisted in the newly formed Army Air Corp. Although the war ended before he had a chance to see action, he was always extremely proud to have served.
After the service Jim attended Stanford University, Class of 1949, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In his heart he always considered himself a "Stanford Indian" rather than the currently politically correct "Cardinal".
Upon receiving his degree, Jim began what was to become a life-long career in the food business, starting out at Birds Eye Company, then on to Minute Maid Company, and ending with TreeSweet Companies. With his gregarious and outgoing personality, Jim developed many close, personal and business relationships that lasted a lifetime.
In 1949 Jim parlayed a summer beach romance with Bettymae Intlekofer into a nearly 46 year marriage until her passing in 1996. Together they raised three children: Christy, Jeffrey and Matthew. Three years later he met and married Stevie Ramer. They were married for three years until her passing in 2001.
The other love of Jim's life was golf. He began playing as a young salesman, using it as a great way to connect with his buyers. He continued playing well into his 80's and was proud to be a low handicapper. Post-golf he kept up with his buddies by meeting every Thursday morning for breakfast.
Jim is survived by his children: Christy (Bill) Netro, Jeffrey (Lourdes) Wharton, and Matthew Wharton. Also by his grandchildren: Kara (Matt) Bowdish, Bethany (Ryan) Flower, Aryella (John) Stickney, Lizzette Wharton, Alyssa Wharton, Amber Wharton, and Adrian Wharton. And by his great-grandchildren: Olivia and Lily Bowdish, Shaye and Leyla Flower, Sylus and Ezra Stickney, and Domenic Jeffrey Cima.
Memorial Service at Our Lady of Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 2:00 PM, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Reception to follow.
One of the last surviving members of the Laguna Beach High School class of 1944, James Frank "Jamo" Wharton passed away on March 17, 2017 in Newport Beach surrounded by family. He was the son of former Laguna Beach Mayor J. Frank Wharton of Parsons, Kansas and Lela James Wharton of Westminster, California.
Although he lived in several communities in Southern California growing up, Laguna Beach was always home. His family owned one of the original houses on the boardwalk near the Hotel Laguna, so his life revolved around the beach: bodysurfing, life guarding and even meeting his future wife, Bettymae.
After graduation from Laguna Beach High School, Jim enlisted in the newly formed Army Air Corp. Although the war ended before he had a chance to see action, he was always extremely proud to have served.
After the service Jim attended Stanford University, Class of 1949, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In his heart he always considered himself a "Stanford Indian" rather than the currently politically correct "Cardinal".
Upon receiving his degree, Jim began what was to become a life-long career in the food business, starting out at Birds Eye Company, then on to Minute Maid Company, and ending with TreeSweet Companies. With his gregarious and outgoing personality, Jim developed many close, personal and business relationships that lasted a lifetime.
In 1949 Jim parlayed a summer beach romance with Bettymae Intlekofer into a nearly 46 year marriage until her passing in 1996. Together they raised three children: Christy, Jeffrey and Matthew. Three years later he met and married Stevie Ramer. They were married for three years until her passing in 2001.
The other love of Jim's life was golf. He began playing as a young salesman, using it as a great way to connect with his buyers. He continued playing well into his 80's and was proud to be a low handicapper. Post-golf he kept up with his buddies by meeting every Thursday morning for breakfast.
Jim is survived by his children: Christy (Bill) Netro, Jeffrey (Lourdes) Wharton, and Matthew Wharton. Also by his grandchildren: Kara (Matt) Bowdish, Bethany (Ryan) Flower, Aryella (John) Stickney, Lizzette Wharton, Alyssa Wharton, Amber Wharton, and Adrian Wharton. And by his great-grandchildren: Olivia and Lily Bowdish, Shaye and Leyla Flower, Sylus and Ezra Stickney, and Domenic Jeffrey Cima.
Memorial Service at Our Lady of Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 2:00 PM, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Reception to follow.
Although he lived in several communities in Southern California growing up, Laguna Beach was always home. His family owned one of the original houses on the boardwalk near the Hotel Laguna, so his life revolved around the beach: bodysurfing, life guarding and even meeting his future wife, Bettymae.
After graduation from Laguna Beach High School, Jim enlisted in the newly formed Army Air Corp. Although the war ended before he had a chance to see action, he was always extremely proud to have served.
After the service Jim attended Stanford University, Class of 1949, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. In his heart he always considered himself a "Stanford Indian" rather than the currently politically correct "Cardinal".
Upon receiving his degree, Jim began what was to become a life-long career in the food business, starting out at Birds Eye Company, then on to Minute Maid Company, and ending with TreeSweet Companies. With his gregarious and outgoing personality, Jim developed many close, personal and business relationships that lasted a lifetime.
In 1949 Jim parlayed a summer beach romance with Bettymae Intlekofer into a nearly 46 year marriage until her passing in 1996. Together they raised three children: Christy, Jeffrey and Matthew. Three years later he met and married Stevie Ramer. They were married for three years until her passing in 2001.
The other love of Jim's life was golf. He began playing as a young salesman, using it as a great way to connect with his buyers. He continued playing well into his 80's and was proud to be a low handicapper. Post-golf he kept up with his buddies by meeting every Thursday morning for breakfast.
Jim is survived by his children: Christy (Bill) Netro, Jeffrey (Lourdes) Wharton, and Matthew Wharton. Also by his grandchildren: Kara (Matt) Bowdish, Bethany (Ryan) Flower, Aryella (John) Stickney, Lizzette Wharton, Alyssa Wharton, Amber Wharton, and Adrian Wharton. And by his great-grandchildren: Olivia and Lily Bowdish, Shaye and Leyla Flower, Sylus and Ezra Stickney, and Domenic Jeffrey Cima.
Memorial Service at Our Lady of Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Friday, March 31, 2017, at 2:00 PM, 2046 Mar Vista Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Reception to follow.
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