James Robert Wharton

Jim Wharton, 79, of Columbia, MO passed away Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the University of Missouri Hospital. Friends may gather at the Open Door Church, 4838 Meadow Lark Ln, Columbia, MO 65201, from 10:00 am - 10:30 am and join the family for a memorial service with military honors at 10:30 am, Saturday, September 4, 2021. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO will follow at 2:00 pm.

Jim was born September 23, 1941 in Hannibal, MO to W. Robert and Mary Margaret Gardhouse Wharton. In 1959 he graduated from Palmyra High School, earned an Associate of Arts degree from Hannibal LaGrange College, after which he joined the US Army. He served two tours in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in 1974 as a CWO4. While serving in the Army, he earned a Bachelor of Science from Cameron College, Lawton, OK. He was awarded several service medals and was a Purple Heart recipient. After completing his military obligations, he went on to become Maintenance and Production Supervisor for Central Soya in Ft Worth, Texas, and later at Ralston-Purina in Liberal, KS. He also earned an ASN/RN from Dodge City Community College in Dodge City, KS. For most of his life he was an entrepreneur working for himself selling TV satellites, The Lawnworks lawn care company, and he founded Columbia House Washing; a power washing service that is still family owned and operated today. He most recently worked in Insurance Sales.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Anne Holmes Wharton, seven children, Rebecca (Mark) Mesplay of Monticello, IL, David (Shaunery) Wharton of Columbia, Marcy (Thomas) Buckles of Trenton, IL, Matthew (Heather) Holmes of Cordova, TN, Daniel (Jessaca) Thompson, Laura (Kenneth) Casteel, and Nicolas (Ashley) Thompson, all of Columbia; seventeen grandchildren, Zachary, Madison, & Kathryn Mesplay, Taylor Somers, Erin & Sarah Wharton, Evan & Colby Buckles, Hannah, Hailey, & Barrett Holmes, Gavin Thompson, Christian York, & Emily Thompson, Ethan & Savannah Casteel, and Levi Thompson; a brother, Eugene (Floyce) Wharton of Palmyra; Great Aunt Betty Ruth Wharton (Eugene) Grizzel, many nieces and nephews and a loving extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim cherished his time with his children and grandchildren in all their activities and hobbies. He had a lifelong passion for RV’s, motorhomes and coaches and it was his dream to travel and enjoy America's sites and views. Jim also enjoyed turning wrenches, tinkering with small engines and tractors. In his later years, you could find him at local thresher events and tractor shows.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Missouri Honor Flight 1400 Forum Blvd. Ste. 7-A, Box 334 Columbia, MO 65203 centralmissourihonorflight.com