James Thomas Jarrett

James Thomas “Tom” Jarrett, 82, of Wilmington, North Carolina passed away on January 16th, 2025. The son of Thomas Everette and Hazel Smith, he was born in Asheville, North Carolina on December 30, 1942.

Tom attended North Carolina State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering. While at NC State, he played football as a walk-on athlete and was a member of the Chi Epsilon fraternity.

After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completing a prestigious 34-year career. He served in numerous capacities with the Corps, retiring as Chief of the Coastal, Hydrology, and Hydraulics Section of the Wilmington District in 2000. Throughout his career, Tom gained a love and appreciation for the coast, most specifically with the coast of North Carolina. He supervised most of the studies for North Carolina coastal projects including much of the Wilmington Districts work on Masonboro Inlet and Oregon Inlet. The USACE Wilmington District presented him with two prestigious awards- the Superior Civilian Service award in 1991 and the Commanders Award for Civilian Service in 2000 for his years of dedicated service. Given his level of expertise, Tom was appointed to the Outer Banks Task Force and the North Carolina Coastal Hazards Science Panel. In 2000 Tom was given the Governor’s Award – The order of the Long Leaf Pine for a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. He was a founding member of the North Carolina Shore and Beach Preservation Association (Now NC Beaches Inlets and Waterways Association).

In 2002, Tom transitioned from the public sector to the private sector joining Coastal Protection Engineering. From 2002 to 2021, he led CPE’s team of engineers and scientists to serve various local governments and property owners, to preserve, protect and enhance their beaches, shores, and coastal resources.

Though Tom excelled in his career, he also played hard. He was known for his love of sports, both as a spectator and participant. He spent many years umpiring for the Optimist Club and coaching Pop Warner football, instilling in the young athletes he mentored the same values of dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship that defined his own life. Whether it was a football game, a baseball game, or simply a good round of golf with friends, Tom was always in his element, enjoying the camaraderie and competition.

Tom’s greatest source of pride and joy was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband to Paula Jarrett, his wife of 42 years. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and memories. Tom and Paula were inseparable during their marriage, rarely seeing one without the other. Tom always said that his happiest moments were those spent at home with Paula, surrounded by family. Tom was a kind and patient husband, father and grandfather, showing up for every event with a smile and a great attitude. Tom was also a generous man and did whatever he could to support his family. Through tough times, he was a rock for his wife, Paula, and the family. Whether it was enjoying quiet evenings watching sports with his beloved Paula, enjoying pool days with the kids and grandkids, or traveling to Florida for family visits, Tom cherished every moment with his wife and loved ones.

Tom is predeceased by his parents, Thomas Everette, and Hazel Smith, only sibling Martha Sue Jarrett Allen, son Richard Glen Sachariat Jr., grandson John Austin Jarrett, and son in law John Howard Reynolds.

Tom is survived by a large and loving family, including his wife, Paula Jarrett, eight children: Thomas Russell Jarrett (Tammie), Tonya Robin Shelton (David), Joel Brent Jarrett, Barbara Ann Hopkins (Robert), Tammie Kimball Reynolds, Linda Kimball Gallant (Kevin), Thomas Lloyd Kimball (Michele), and Michelle Sachariat Vaccaro (Vinnie); 19 grandchildren: Jack Brockett Watson (Brittany), Joshua Brett Watson, Jocelyn Nicole Watson, David Shelton (Corey), Crystal Tester (Billy), Justin Shelton, Sutton William Ray Jarrett, Kyle Tiller Jarrett, Nicholas Russell Jarrett, Chelsea Grace Gallant, Carly Rae Gallant, Brittany Nicole King (Dan), Alex Rose Slezak (Jacob), Thomas Lloyd Kimball III, Abigail Faith Kimball, Stratton Davis, Kai Davis, David Thomas Whiteted, and Howard Lee Whiteted; and 18 great grandchildren: Finley James Jarrett, Briggs Tiller Jarrett, Maddix Watson, Avin Watson, Camdin Shelton, Callie Shelton, Colson Shelton, Tyson Tesner, Brooklyn Tesner, Bryson Tesner, Jayden Shelton, Wyatt Beau King, Barrett Nash King, Jaxon Allan Slezak, June Sawyer Slezak, Austin Lee Whiteted, Ethan Lee Whiteted, and Lilly Alberta Whiteted.

The family will receive guests, Saturday, February 15th from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., at Pine Valley Baptist Church, Wilmington, North Carolina, followed by a celebration of life ceremony at 2:00 p.m.