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James Muckenfuss Obituary
November 7, 1939 - March 23, 2025
GREENSBORO - James Wesley "Wes" Muckenfuss passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at age 85, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Babs Muckenfuss; his daughter Lisa Hairr (husband John) of Charlotte, NC; and his son Jim of Atlanta, GA. Wes was a proud grandfather to Carson Hairr, who he considered his best friend and the light of his life.
Wes was born in Greenville, SC to Charles H. and Charlotte O. Muckenfuss. Wes was predeceased by his sisters, Chartee Plyler and Laura Muckenfuss. He is survived by his sister, Melissa, and her husband, Paul Stroup, of Charlotte, NC; and his brother-in-law, Jim Plyler of Greensboro, NC.
Wes attended Aiken High School in Aiken, South Carolina and was a 1962 graduate of Clemson University where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Zeta. For 40 years, Wes worked throughout the southeastern United States, as well as Mexico, Ireland and India, with Burlington Industries. Wes loved his work and the many life-long friends he developed during his time with Burlington.
Wes was a proud member of the German Friendly Society in Charleston, the Aiken Historical Society, Hitchcock Woods Foundation and the South Carolina Historical Society. Wes was an active supporter of the James and Mary Oswald Distinguished Writers Series at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
Wes was an adventurous soul who enjoyed traveling, sailing, telling stories, and making friends wherever he went. One of his favorite activities in recent years was working on an archaeological dig at the Topper Site near the Savannah River in Allendale County, SC. He loved keeping up with his network of friends developed throughout the years and will be remembered for helping his family and friends even while he was sick. He loved restoring antique furniture, attending the Masters and teaching his grandson, Carson, about archeology, adventurers, music and the world.
We would like to thank Dr. Sherrill and the entire team at Drawbridge for their wonderful care of Wes during the last few years.
A graveside celebration of life for family and close friends will be held on May 10 at 1 p.m. at St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church in Aiken, SC. To honor Wes, please call or connect with an old friend today.
Forbis and Dick Guilford Chapel is honored to serve the Muckenfuss family and tributes or condolences may be directed to www.forbisanddick.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Muckenfuss
Sponsored by Forbis & Dick Funeral Service - Guilford Chapel.
nancy putnam
April 12, 2025
Babs, I am sorry about Wes. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wes was such a good man and he will be missed.I hope you find peace in all the wonderful memories you have.
Cathy Armour Broom
April 7, 2025
Melissa, I´m sorry for the loss of Wes. Good thoughts, love and prayers to you and yours.
Cathy
Glenda Kneece Jarvis
April 5, 2025
Wes, I've admired your dedication to and for others, back to when David first introduced us in Martin on the "Savannah". Thank you for inspiring us again and again in Aiken and CSRA.
Phillrip Fulton
April 2, 2025
Sorry to hear of Wes's passing. We both worked in textiles and shared a love of fixing up (recycling) old furniture. He was always fun and interesting to talk to and we shared time at Marketplace Antiques. I'll miss this great guy.
Linda Emory
March 31, 2025
Babs, so sorry to hear that Wes passed away. Praying for God to give you comfort during this time of grief.
Brenda Whittaker
March 31, 2025
RIP dear friend. I had the privilege of working with Wes at Burlington. Sending prayers to the family.
Jeanne McClain
March 31, 2025
I met Wes at Burlington Industries. He was an amazing man, kind, caring, always on ab adventure , sailing with a group of friends, or on an archeological dig. He was so full of life, yet humble. He was the one who always wanted to connect all his friends onto one big family. He was a special soul whom will always be a part of my heart. Condolences to his family who will miss him dearly.
Van Knox
March 30, 2025
Wes was truly a unique individual and a great person to travel with as we visited multiple countries together during our time with Burlington. I remember one Halloween night when we were sitting on the balcony at the guest house in Navsari, India eating M&M´s Lance crackers and drinking hot Pepsi in pitch black with Wes telling tales while fruit bats were swirling overhead. He was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
Salem Bullard
March 30, 2025
Wes was a good friend and associate at Burlington Industries. We always shared stories and opinions, especially of the Stock Market and always ended our talks with "Keep some power Dry"in the event of a Market Correction. I think the first time I met Wes was in Stonewall Miss where he was the Plant Manager and we were doing some work on his boilers. A real Gentleman He will be missed
Wanda Ball
March 30, 2025
Wes was one of a kind ... the special kind. First and foremost he was always a gentleman. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Greg Russell
March 30, 2025
Wes was a great person. Loved working with and traveling him.
He loved teaching and training people at work and never met a stranger.
My condolences for the family and prayers sent.
Raymond mc Cormack
March 30, 2025
Rip Wes a wonderful friend and a great professional at his work whom I had the pleasure of working with him during my term in Burlington.
Raymond mc Cormack Ireland
Christopher Judge
March 30, 2025
Wes was a frequent volunteer on the Kolb Site archaeology project along the Great Pee Dee River in SC. He was witty, funny and knowledgeable about many things. He will be missed in the archaeology community.
Debby Buchert
March 30, 2025
Prayers for the family.. Wes was
my hero and will be greatly missed by all who loved him so.
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