James Garr Wharry

“If wealth were measured in friendships, I'd be the wealthiest man alive.” — Garr Wharry

James “Garr” Wharry died surrounded by loved ones on March 12, 2025, at the age of 69. Beloved for his musical talents, intellect, and humor, Garr’s heart brought joy to many lives.

He was born on November 7, 1955, at the historic general hospital in Los Angeles, where he would later work for 27 years as a registered nurse. After growing up in Simi Valley and graduating from Royal High School in 1973, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served until 1979. There, he performed in the 1978 “Tops In Blue” entertainment ensemble, where he sang, danced, and played the guitar while touring the globe. His time in Germany cultivated especially fond memories. After returning home from the military, he attended Moorpark College, where he studied behavioral science and worked for the Moorpark College Reporter as managing editor.

Garr lived a life of service. He was trained as a firefighter and worked at the Burbank Airport for Lockheed, where he was also a union representative. He then went back to school to earn his nursing diploma in 1993 from the LAC+USC School of Nursing. For nearly three decades, he was a registered nurse for the County of Los Angeles—first in the burn ward, then across various roles—all the while serving as a union steward and negotiator. He eventually became a Health Transformation Advocate for the Department of Health Services (DHS) at LAC+USC Medical Center SEIU 721. Over the years, his writing was featured in various SEIU 721 and DHS publications. In 2012, he was honored for outstanding political service as a union steward. He took special pride in mentoring the next generation of nurses.

A political enthusiast and activist, he was a member of the local Democratic Clubs in Simi Valley and, when he moved to Fillmore in 2018, Santa Clara Valley. In Fillmore, he continued his lifelong love of music as a member of the local “Bakery Boys” band. Throughout his life, he loved camping, boating, MerleFest, sushi, and bragging about his daughter, whom he shared with his ex-wife, Nancy Joyce Vinson.

He is survived by his daughter, Emily Jo Wharry; his sisters, Robin Susanne Shelnut and Andrea Lorene Griffin; his mother, Alice May Smith; his stepfather, Gary Mac Smith; his niece, Sarah Shelnut-Lebel; his great-nephew, Alexander Michael Rossborough; and his longtime partner, Laura Gomez. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Nettie Lorene Wharry; his grandfather, Garr Audrey Wharry; his father, James Eugene Wharry (“Jim”); and his nephew, Michael James Shelnut.

A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, March 28 at 11 a.m. at Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, CA. Additionally, a celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, March 30 at 1 p.m. at 4503 ½ Adam Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063. All are welcome to attend.

“Today, as life felt crappy, I thought the best antic-dote might be a midnight motorcycle run down the old 118. Brisk cold, great music in the helmet, I thought about the first time I drove this highway. Billy Pringle and I ‘borrowed’ my mother's car while they were out of town on the day we landed folks on the moon. We'd have gotten away with it, were it not for neighbors telling my parents what a great driver I was at 14.” — Garr Wharry