James Joseph Kuharcik

James Joseph Kuharcik, 70, of Morganton, NC passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 surrounded by his family at the Catawba Regional Hospice in Newton, NC.Born November 16, 1941 in Rice’s Landing, PA, he was the son of the late Michael Kuharcik and Elizabeth (Koki) Kuharcik. Jim, a 1964 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, worked for the E.I. DuPont Company in Richmond, VA and Wilmington, NC for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1998. Notable career accomplishments included the installation and start-up of polyester production plants in a variety of countries including Turkey, Brazil, Italy, and India with the DuPont Technology Transfer Group and as a consultant.While in Wilmington, Jim enjoyed fishing and boating in the North Carolina Intracoastal Waterway. He was also an avid golfer and Pittsburgh sports fan who supported the Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins through good years and bad.Jim volunteered his time to a number of causes. He served as a literacy volunteer and as a math tutor in local schools. Veterans’ organizations were especially important to him, and his service as the transportation coordinator for Disabled American Veterans earned him the Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2005-2006.Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deanna (Lanyi) Kuharcik, daughter Katherine (Kuharcik) Russell & Donald Russell Jr., daughter Susan (Kuharcik) Choi and Inho Choi, son Thomas Kuharcik and Jill (Johnson) Kuharcik, and grandchildren Jessica and Jennifer Russell, Christopher and Jason Choi, and Connor and Mia Kuharcik. He is also survived by his siblings, Betty Hupp, Marge Kisko, Bill Kuharcik, and Anna MarieTalley, and preceded in death by his brother Mike Kuharcik.Friends and relatives are invited to attend his visitation from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and celebration of life at 5:00 pm on Friday, Sept. 28th at Sossoman Funeral Home, 1011 South Sterling Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Father Kenneth Whittington will be officiating at the Celebration of Life service. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cinncinnati, OH 45250-0301 (www.dav.org), Fisher House Foundation, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850-5168 (www.fisherhouse.org), or Catawba Regional Hospice (www.pchcv.org), 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658.The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided through Catawba Regional Hospice and the neighbors of Silver Creek Plantation during our time of need.