James Mulford Pharr Jr., 84, a lifelong resident of Newport News, VA, passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2025.
Jim was an Eagle Scout and attended Warwick High School (’59). Upon graduation, he attended the Apprentice School and worked as a Construction Supervisor for Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company.
He was the son of James M. Pharr Sr. and Virginia Jones Pharr. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Pharr Gagne (Colonel (Ret.) Brian) of Miramar, Florida, and his three grandchildren, Lauren, Ryan, and Emma Gagne.
Jim was especially proud of his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Grandpa.” It made his day when Ryan expressed interest in the stock market and he could share a lot of his knowledge that he learned from watching “Mad Money.”
He never met a stranger and he touched the lives of many people with his sense of humor and trademark laugh.
He loved his friends at AJ’s, the Moose, and the ladies at the Hidenwood Food Lion. He was a very caring and wonderful friend.
Jim was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, now Denbigh United Presbyterian. He was an active and respected member of the community, most notably known for his involvement in SCV Magruder-Ewell Camp No.99; Thomas Nelson Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution; Warwick County Historical Society; Warwick Moose Lodge, and he served at the local Republican headquarters.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
A Graveside Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Peninsula Memorial Park.
