James Wharton

James Frederic Wharton was born in Alexandria on November 23, 1941, son of Marion Watkins who passed away shortly after his birth. Jim was adopted by his grandparents, Frederic and Adeline Wharton, Sr.. He attended school in Alexandria until moving to Edina where he graduated from Edina-Morningside High School in 1959. After attending the University of Minnesota for one year he enlisted in the United States Navy for four years serving aboard the USS Robert H. McCard as a sonarman. Jim was discharged in January of 1965. Jim met and fell in love with Beverly Katzung in Minneapolis, MN. They were united in marriage on July 10, 1965 at Walters, MN. To this union three children were born - Jason, Renee, and Bryan. Jim worked mainly in sales all of his life. Upon retiring from David Olson Sales Company in April of 2004, they sold their home of 32 years in Ramsey and moved to the family lake home on Lake Darling near Alexandria. The lake home was Jim?s favorite place in the world. Many great moments were spent fishing with his children and grandchildren, enjoying sunsets, and huge bon fires. He liked to light fireworks on the 4th of July, go water skiing, and have fast boats. Visiting with friends, relatives, and neighbors were always a priority as well as hunting and spending time outdoors. He also had a collection of guns and knives. Jim?s family and grandchildren were the pride of his life. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him. James F. Wharton died on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 66. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Beverly Wharton of Alexandria; sons Jason (Michelle) Wharton of Ramsey, MN and their children Jaelyn and Mikaela; Bryan and his fianc� Jessi Matsche of Fridley, MN and their daughter Kayle Ann; daughter Renee (Chris) Miller of Queen Creek, AZ and their children Masen and Austin; sisters Charlotte Gustafson of Berlin, MD; Shirley (John) Buzzell of Lady Lake, FL; sister-in-law Janice Earls of Owatonna, MN; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his birth mother Marion Watkins; adopted parents and grandparents Frederic E. Sr. and Adeline Wharton; brother Frederic E. Wharton Jr.; father-in-law and mother-in-law Wilbert and Marian Katzung. A Memorial Service was held on Monday, August 25, 2008 at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Neal Olson officiating. Interment was in the Kinkead Cemetery. Honorary Pall Bearers were Dennis Gruber, Les Johnson, Jim Jensen, and Merle Thompson.