James Victor Hartzog

Dr. James Victor Hartzog, PhD. (85) of Kinston, NC passed away peacefully Saturday, September 21, 2024. Vic joins his wife of 58 years, Emily Cunningham Hartzog, who passed away in October 2023. Vic was a devoted husband and father, a loving son and brother, a devout Christian, a reliable friend, a brilliant chemist, and a man who could fix anything.

Born in St. George, South Carolina in December 1937 he spent his childhood working on his family's small farm and helping his dad, who worked as a roofer and plumber. He graduated from Clemson University in 1961, working his way through school by spending time in both the army and the National Guard. He received his PhD in chemistry from Clemson in 1967 and immediately got a job as a research chemist at Dupont in Kinston, NC, where he worked his entire career. Over the course of that career, he was awarded several patents for his innovations in textiles, especially polyester. Vic married Emily Cunningham in 1965 while in graduate school and began a family in Kinston after completing his doctorate.  They spent their married life in Kinston, where they had many close friends and enjoyed playing tennis together. Vic especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, but he also enjoyed fixing things and investing in the stock market. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Kinston, NC where he prided himself on his thoughtful Sunday school lessons.

Vic is survived by his children Brian and Bowen, Brian's wife Tracey, and six grandchildren: Brenden, Rachel, Ava, Emma, Devin, and Cassidy.

A celebration of Vic's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 6, at First Baptist Church, 2600 Rouse Road Kinston, NC. All are welcome.

A graveside service for family will be held at Beulah Cemetery in Branchville, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.