John Rapson Wharton
January 29, 1925 - December 2, 2010
John Rapson "Jack" Wharton
“One More Time!”
John Rapson “Jack” Wharton finished his life's marathon on Tuesday, Dec. 2, dying of causes related to old age at the Utah Veteran's Nursing Home. He spent his final months of life offering an easy smile and bits of wisdom and love to everyone he met while being surrounded by admiring family members, friends and strangers.
Jack was born January 29, 1925, in Salt Lake City, the youngest of six children of George and Lillie May Prout Wharton. He married the love his life, Violet Ruga, on Aug. 17, 1948, and spent the next 62 years showing the world how a husband should treat a wife. One of his many legacies involved giving Vi a simple gift on the 17th of every month.
After serving in the Navy in World War II, the South High graduate became the first member of his family to graduate from college. He played tennis and ran cross country for his beloved University of Utah and later earned a master's degree in education. He spent 36 years working for the Jordan School District, first as a sixth-grade teacher and later as a principal where his humor, philosophy and love of children influenced thousands in a positive way. A man known for sayings such as “one more time,” “work hard so you can play hard, and “never grow old”. Jack loved travel, watching sports and mostly being around dozens of friends and family.
Jack was preceded in death by brothers Don and George, sisters Elsie Radler, Ethel Plumhoff and Frankie Olson and daughter-in-law Gayen Wharton. He is survived by his wife Vi, sons Tom (Nancy) and John Derk (Alicia) and daughter Lori (Nate) and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and students who all loved him for his sense of humor and generous nature.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 7that 11 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 450 East 2100 South, in Salt Lake City. A celebration of Jack's life will be held Monday, December 6th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor at 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City.
Those attending that celebration are encouraged to wear Ute red. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wharton Family Scholarship at the University of Utah Department of Communication.
Family members would especially like to thank the staff at the Utah Veteran's Nursing Home for the love and concern they displayed while caring for Jack in the final days of his life.
In Loving Memory
Our heartfelt condolences to the Wharton Family. It's evident that your dad led a long and fruitful life. What a joyful gift for your famly to know that he lived joyous and meaningful days of challenge, unfettered giving to those with whom he came into contact, and the abundant blessings of raising a strong and loving family. Now, peace from our family to yours.
George Starks
Salt lake City, Ut
Tom...Sorry about your father's death. I met him at your home, with your mom, and later when Gayen died. I knew right away why you are such a great guy...See you in the spring. Judy Bea
Judy Rollins
Cambria, CA
I was saddened to hear of Jack's passing. So many of my favorite years are from the "old" neighborhood. Jack, Vi and their family figure so prominently in those memories. It was such a privilege to have had Jack's presence in my early life. My thoughts are with you all.
Roger Workman
Los Angeles, Ca
I was in that first class John taught. We were 6th graders and our previous teacher had been called up to active duty in the Korean conflict. So about one month into the school year, at Riverton Elementry school, we met the colorful and interesting John R. Wharton.. Many years later, as an adult, I bumped into him with his beloved wife Vi at a local upscale resturant. He was as exuberant as ever and stood by our table of 6 and recited the seating chart for our sixth grade class ,accurately,by name.. I was amazed at how much he knew and remembered about us... I guess we had a bit of an influence on him but not as much as he did on us. Our lives were shaped, in part, because of our association with him.. When he gets to speak with the Lord, if not already, he can take take pride in what he did and how it affected the lives of many for good. Please take comfort and be proud of the man he was and accept the gratitude of one who was was helped along the way by " Mr Wharton" Brent E. Butterfield
Brent E . Butterfield
Sandy, Ut
Dearest Vi and Family, It is with all my love I express condolences to you. Jack was without a doubt my very favorite Uncle. I will never forget all the laughs and great memories I have of him. God Bless you all at this difficult time.
Marae Wharton Harris
Mesa,, Az
Hello Violet, I was browsing through the obituaries and saw of Jack's death. I was pleased to read of the good marriage and good life you have had, symbolized by his remembering the 17th each month. My wife, Pat, and I were married just 20 years ago and we treasure our good marriage. I remember your friendship with me beginning at Lincoln Jr. High about 1940. My condolences on your husbands passing on. Sincerely, Stan
Stan Schoenfeld
South Jordan, Ut
I helped open Riverside Elem.with John. What fun we had double-sessioned at Majestic.Teaching til 7 at night is interesting. John made teaching enjoyable! Vi, you and John had a real love affair. Your love of mice at Christmas was so fun and John tried to get mine for you. To all of you,live, love and laugh. Remember a wonderful husband,father, grandfather and friend. Choicest blessings at this time and always. Marilee Funkhouser Sandy, Utah
Marilee Sjoblom Funkhouser
Sandy, Ut
Jack was a major influence in my early years. In the Summer he laid hardwood floors. One of his customers was Model Homes, Inc owned by our Dad, Bert Adamson. All the houses had hardwood floors and one of my jobs was to clean the work area so that Jack could lay the hardwood. While he laid hardwood I swept up and we talked. He continually encouraged me to see, think and apply the lessons that I learned. He listened. He was one of the first to encourage me in my decison to go to college and then on to law school. It was pretty hard to get anyone to take a 13 year old seriously. Jack did and the encouragement meant a lot. He was a fine and decent man who was everyone's friend. The Jack Whartons of this world are scarce and should be appreciated more.
Craig G. Adamson
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Tom, We send you our sincerest condolences, love and prayers.
James and Patricia Rickers
Salt Lake City, Ut
Lori, I am so sorry for your dad's passing. Whatever you may need, I am here. I wish for you and your family strength and peace during these next few weeks. May God grant your father eternal peace and let his perpetual light shine upon him. Teresa
Teresa Eldredge
Sandy, Ut
Sincere condolences to the Wharton family. I have very fond memories of Uncle Jack...the Utes, the fishing trips, and just spending time with he and Vi at their home. I think about Jack much and will miss him.
Jimmy Radler
Granite Bay, CA
Dear Vi, Tom, Derk and Lori, I was sorry to hear that the head of such a wonderful family had passed. Vi, you and Jack were always so gracious to open your home to all. I have so many fond memories of the Wharton family. Jack was a wonderful guy that I can picture with his broad, but wry grin, hand on his pipe, ready to offer just the right thing to say. I am among the many beneficiaries of his wisdom which he dispensed with just the right mix of advice and encouragement. His legacy will live on through the accomplishments of his family and the many young peoples lives that he touched. Jack will be both missed and remembered. My deepest condolences.
Stan Stilwell
Las Vegas, NV
Vi, Tom, Derk and Lori and families: It is with heavy heart that I offer my condolences at the loss of your family patriarch. But in Jack's case, there is much to celebrate. We should all be so blessed as to wear a perpetual smile, to have such a bright and cheery outlook on life and to always be at the ready to give of himself to help others as was Jack. I was privileged to have known him and to have worked beside his oldest son, Tom, at The Tribune for over 30 years. The acorn didn't fall far from the tree as evidenced by the state's love of his son.. I know how proud Jack was of his family and I know of the great love he had for Vi and for his children. I shall miss him, but know full well he has found the eternal peace he so richly deserves. .
Dick Rosetta
Midvale, Ut