John "Jay" Wharton

John “Jay” Wharton, age 80 passed away at his New Orleans residence on Sunday, October 14, 2018. Devoted husband of Edmond J. Harris, his partner for 19 years. Father of Peggy Myers (Townsend) and Rebekah Aronson (Nathan). Brother of Joe Wharton of San Francisco, CA. Grandfather “Papaw” of Sarah Elizabeth Myers, Emma Harris Myers and Benjamin Harris Aronson. Son of the late Dr. & Mrs. Wyant Wharton.

Wharton was a native of Tylertown, MS and a New Orleans resident since 1963. He held a BS degree from Mississippi State University and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was the retired Executive Director of the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, having served in that position from 1983 to 2003. Prior to his association with the kidney foundation, he was Director of Business Operations for the American Lung Association of Louisiana for 11 years. Wharton was a two term past president of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts and for many years chaired the Gulf South Miniature & Dollhouse Events, which was the largest annual fundraiser for the kidney foundation. He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Dollhouse Museum of the Southwest.

Wharton was an active volunteer for the NO/AIDS Task Force and fundraiser for the Lambda Center of New Orleans, served on the professional advisory board of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Association and was a longtime member of the Steamboat Club of New Orleans.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend memorial services on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, La. Visitation from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Rev. Jack Boudreaux will officiate. A private family graveside service will follow on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, 8200 Hampson Street, #425, New Orleans, LA 70118.