Classes & Obits

James Watson Degenhardt ’81

Issue

November-December 2022

James Watson Degenhardt ’81 passed away at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on July 5. He was born on April 19, 1959, to Donald and Virginia Degenhardt in Tarpon Springs, Florida, the youngest of seven. A hard worker his whole life, his father taxed Jim every time he got a B or lower, so he never did. At Dartmouth, in addition to studying history and economics, he made the greatest friends and kept the football bench warm. He went on to earn an M.S. in accounting from New York University, then enjoyed a long career as a financial advisor. He was known professionally for his reliability, trustworthiness, generosity, and compassion. He married Christina Hunt in 1993 and they had two children, James and McKenzie. Jim was proud to be from Tarpon Springs, to be an American, a Degenhardt, an Eagle Scout, a Rough Rider, a brother of Theta Delta Chi, a Dartmouth alum, a supporter of the arts, a mentor, a quiet philanthropist, and an outstanding party planner. He never met a stranger and took great pride in his family. Jim is survived by his children, siblings, nieces and nephews, and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Jim’s honor to the Arc Foundation of Clearwater and the Florida Orchestra of Tampa.

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