John James “Jack” Wharton

John James “Jack” Wharton, 98 of Holden, Missouri passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025 in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Jack was born November 2, 1926 in Holden, son of John James Wharton and Erma A. (Ritner) Wharton. He spent his entire life in Holden and graduated from Holden High School as Valedictorian of the Class of 1944.

He served in the US Navy as an Aviation Radioman, Third Class from October, 1944 until July, 1946. On April 6, 1947, he married the love of his life, Carol Jean West. They were married over 71 years until her passing in 2018.

They were the parents of two children: son, John James Wharton, Jr. (wife Anne) and daughter, Jean Ann McNutt (husband, Bill). The couple had 4 grandchildren: Elizabeth Wharton Lombard (husband, Nick); Angela Wharton Hoffecker (Husband, Jeffrey); John J. Wharton, III and Eric Wharton; and two great grandchildren: Angelina Lombard and Fiorello Lombard.

Jack had one semester of college at Kansas University. He graduated from two graduate schools: Midwest School of Banking in Madison, WI and Stonier School of Banking from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.

Jack spent 26 years in the retail grocery business and owned Powell Grocery, later known as Jack’s Grocery in Holden. He then spent 50 years in banking at F&C Bank in Holden.

Jack became a Master Mason on April 21, 1949. He was an active mason for 75 years and was a member of the Holden Lodge, #262, AF & AM. He was a Past Master. Jack was also a member of the KC Scottish Rite, Ararat Shrine of KC and the American Legion, Post #90, where he served on the Honor Guard Team. He was a Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a longtime member of Holden United Methodist Church.

Jack also served as Past President of the Holden Chamber of Commerce and received a 50 year pin from the Missouri Bankers Association.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 8, at the Holden United Methodist Church, with Pastor L. David Mortenson officiating. Interment followed at the Holden Cemetery.

There also was a Masonic Service, conducted by the Holden Masonic Lodge, Saturday, immediately followed by visitation – – all at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Holden Cemetery Assoc. in care of Williams.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net