Dr. James Victor Hartzog, PhD. (85) of Kinston, NC passed away peacefully Saturday, September 21, 2024. Vic is survived by his children Brian and Bowen, Brian's wife Tracey, and six grandchildren: Brenden, Rachel, Ava, Emma, Devin, and Cassidy.  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. Vic was born in St. George, South Carolina in December 1937 and 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, working his way through school by spending time in both the army and the National Guard. He received his PhD in chemistry from Clemson 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 enjoyed fixing things and investing in the stock market. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Kinston, NC where he prided himself on his thoughtful Sunday school lessons.

A graveside service will be held at Beulah Cemetery in Branchville, SC on Sunday September 29th at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice.