Jimmie Earl Wharton

Jimmie Earl Wharton, 72, passed away November 6th with his family by his side. Jimmie was a Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. Jimmie believed that family was the most important thing and he instilled the same value in his children and grandchildren.

As a teenager growing up in Temple, Jimmie learned that he had a natural skill for working on cars which lead to his passion for classic cars and teaching others throughout his life how to rebuild motors. This built lifelong friendships.

Jimmie loved his wife and being a father. He taught his girls the most important skills in life. He taught them how to fish, how to deer hunt, how to change a flat tire, how to stand up for people/things in life, never to sacrifice what you believe in for others, to love unconditionally and to always, always be there for one another.

As much as he loved being a father, he loved becoming a grandfather, and later a great grandfather, even more. He was more than a grandparent, he was also a friend. He became affectionately known as “Pepa”.

You would always find him telling someone about their latest accomplishments whether it was awards at school, scores of their latest sports games or the prank they pulled on their Mema.

When his health made it difficult for him to enjoy spending time with the kids, he refused to miss out. He would find a way to park his pickup where he could watch. He attended many football games and even High School graduations this way.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, James Calvin Wharton and Josephine Reed Wharton and one sister, Francis Wharton.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Christine, his two daughters, Michelle Wharton and husband Eric Philippus, April Marshall and husband Dominic. He had 6 grandchildren: Lori Wilson Koliba (and husband Jason), Dalton Philippus, Nicholas Philippus, Ted Philippus, Robert Marshall and Rajeeia Marshall. Great Grandchildren are Cheyenne Kortz, Hayden Philippus and Kyleigh Koliba. He would have welcomed his 4th great grandchild this next June.

He is also survived by his brothers and sister, Billie Wharton (and wife Nancy), Richard Wharton and Pat Thomas. Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Many friends were more like family and were important in his life. Trish Campbell and daughter, Jackie, Joe and Jeanette Pursley, The Juarez Family and the many friends of his children and grandchildren that also came to know him and called him Pepa.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Nugent with ARC for his years of caring for Jimmie. He did so with compassion and dignity which Jimmie recognized.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. James Episcopal Church Choir or any youth organization of your choice.

A public memorial will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 1941 Webberville Road, Austin, Texas on November 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Anyone wishing to be included, may contact either Michelle at (512) 998-3158 or April at (512) 577-5005.

To share memories of Jimmie with his family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com