James Manning Wordsworth

James Manning Wordsworth, 83, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on October 12, 2026, leaving a remarkable legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, cherished friendships, and devotion to family and community.

Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Jim was one of five siblings raised in a hardworking family with deep roots in the hospitality industry. From an early age, he developed the determination, integrity, and strong work ethic that would guide his personal and professional life. He was especially proud of earning the rank of Eagle Scout, his membership in the Order of the Arrow, and his God and Country recognition—achievements that inspired his lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and community. A proud graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High School and forever a Blackbird at heart, Jim carried his North Carolina roots and values wherever life took him.

As a young man, Jim moved to Dallas, Texas, where he attended Southern Methodist University and began his career with Burroughs Corporation in the emerging computer industry. He later returned to Rocky Mount, joined the United States Army Reserve, and worked alongside his family at Meadowbrook Meat Company.

In the early 1970s, Jim relocated to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and continued his career with Burroughs. In 1974, while working full-time there during the day, he opened J.R.’s Steak House in Fairfax, Virginia, launching a business legacy that would span more than five decades.

His ventures grew to include J.R.’s Stockyards Inn, J.R.’s Custom Catering, Festival Lakes, the Pavilions of Turkey Run, and Aquia Bay Marina, as well as residential and golf community developments throughout Virginia. His entrepreneurial interests extended well beyond hospitality to golf course development, marinas, residential communities, and correctional facility construction. His companies were among the largest employers of young people in Virginia.

Through J.R.’s Custom Catering, Jim and his team served gatherings ranging from intimate dinners to major events for as many as 25,000 guests. The company catered the White House Easter Egg Roll across five presidential administrations, presidential inaugural events, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and provided meals for the Washington Nationals and visiting Major League Baseball teams during home games.

Jim was equally committed to advancing the hospitality and tourism industries. He served on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 2001 to 2020, including as Regional Vice Chairman for the Southeast Region. He also held leadership roles with the National Restaurant Association and its Educational Foundation, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board. He founded Visit Fairfax and Visit Loudoun and was instrumental in merging Virginia’s tourism and hospitality industries through the Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association, which later became the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA).

His honors included Loudoun County Entrepreneur of the Year in 1993, Virginia Restaurateur of the Year in 1994, Washington Metropolitan Area Restaurateur of the Year in 1996, and Outstanding Business Person of the Year from the McLean Chamber of Commerce in 2008. In a lasting tribute, the Virginia hospitality industry permanently named its annual Restaurateur of the Year honor the James M. Wordsworth Restaurateur of the Year Award, with an accompanying educational scholarship that Jim sponsored.

For all his professional success, Jim believed deeply in giving back. A generous philanthropist and community leader, he shared his time, talents, resources, and experience with countless organizations. He co-founded the Northern Virginia Community Foundation and devoted years of service to United Cerebral Palsy, the YMCA, the Boy Scouts of America, and educational advisory boards at Virginia Tech and the Northern Virginia Community College.

His generosity was equally evident close to home. Jim supported Central Loudoun Little League, Loudoun 4-H, and the Loudoun YMCA; helped feed the homeless annually at the Way of the Cross Church in Washington, D.C., at Christmas, and contributed to numerous local charities.

Jim and Karen established an annual educational scholarship fund supporting members of the National Capital Area Environmental Health Association. His humanitarian recognition included the United Cerebral Palsy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognition in the Congressional Record honoring his service on the organization’s board, and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s 2015 Founders Award for a lifetime of community service.

A consummate gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor, Jim truly never met a stranger. He loved a good story and a room filled with laughter, remembered details about people’s lives, and always asked about their families. His warmth, quick wit, and genuine interest in others inspired lasting friendships. To those fortunate enough to know him, Jim will be remembered for many things—his good deeds, his great jokes, and, of course, his great steaks.

Jim’s lifelong love of boating and the water eventually brought him and Karen to Charleston aboard his beloved boat, Latitudes. Captivated by the Holy City’s history, Southern charm, and beauty, they purchased a home along Charleston’s historic Battery, where passing dolphins, breathtaking sunsets, and harbor views became part of their daily lives.

When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, Jim and Karen extended their stay in Charleston. What began as a temporary retreat gradually became their permanent home and a wonderful new chapter together. They joined a neighborhood Bible study and became members of St. Philip’s Church, finding fellowship and friendship in their new community. Jim immersed himself in the Lowcountry’s rich history, culture, and cuisine, embracing all that made Charleston special.

After a lifetime of building businesses, serving communities, and traveling life’s many roads, Jim found great happiness in the simple pleasures of his Charleston years: faith, family, friendship, and life along the water. For a man who made a difference in so many places, Charleston became the place he was happy to call home.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Elgibren “Elgie” Wordsworth; his father, James Redden “JR” Wordsworth; and his brothers, Kenneth Redmon Wordsworth and Jerry Lee Wordsworth.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Karen; his only loving daughter, Kimberly, and her husband, Greg; his cherished grandson, Nathan; his sister, Debbie Daughtridge, and her family; his brother, Steve Wordsworth, and his family; and his many nieces and nephews, who affectionately called him “Uncle Jimmy.” The family extends a special thank-you to Wes Bausserman, Jim’s longtime assistant of 50 years and cherished family friend.

Funeral Services & Celebration of Life

Monday, October 19, 2026

Visitation begins at 10:30 a.m., with the funeral service starting promptly at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip’s Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

Burial will follow immediately at Magnolia Cemetery, 70 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, SC.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Harbour Club at WestEdge, 22 WestEdge Street, 7th Floor, Charleston, SC 29403. Family and friends are invited to share stories, food, and fellowship while enjoying a Charleston sunset overlooking the Ashley River. Suits and ties are not required; collared shirts are requested for gentlemen.

An additional celebration of life will be held in Northern Virginia in 2027, with details to be announced.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jim’s memory may consider making a charitable donation in his name.

To learn more about Jim, his companies, his lifelong commitment to charitable giving and community service, and opportunities to make a memorial donation, please visit www.jrsbeef.com.

The family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, friendship, prayers, and kindness during this time.