James P. Hart, 75, made career in golf industry
December 20, 2024
James Patrick Hart of Pawleys Island died Dec. 12 at his home with his family at his side. He was 75.
He was born Nov. 14, 1949, in Oak Ridge, Tenn., the son of Robert and Barbara Hart. Jim was an Army ROTC commissioned officer and business administration graduate from Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. Following his Army service he went to work for the Regency division of Hyatt Hotels in Knoxville, Tenn.
Mr. Hart moved to Myrtle Beach in 1974 to manage the Yachtsman Resort Inn, becoming the first employee of Leonard, Call & Associates. Business ventures and development that followed included the Sea Crest Motor Inn, Panama Jack Enterprises and 82 Queen of Charleston.
Most of his years in Myrtle Beach and Pawleys were spent in the golf industry. Mr. Hart was the founder of Balltec and Southern Dunes Golf & Travel, which was the originator of the National Father & Son Team Classic. With the development of the internet and golf marketing platforms, publishing became his passion. He created the Golfer’s Guide publication and website.
The Hart family moved to Pawleys Island in 1989 following Hurricane Hugo where Mr. Hart and his wife, Alicia, had opened Pawleys Island Wear at the Hammock Shops in 1987.
Mr. Hart was a founding member and first president of Pawleys Plantation Golf Club. He loved all sports, but youth sports especially, and was active in First Tee and coaching recreation baseball. In more recent years, he was (in his own words) a “would be” duplicate bridge player and an admirer of the many other fine players in the Pawleys Island area.
He and his family were members of All Saints Episcopal Church for 31 years, where he was active in the Kairos and Cursillo ministries. More recently, he worshiped at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church.
He especially loved his grandchildren and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. He was also thankful for the many partners and close friends that God has poured into his life. Their passion and warmth made his life very full and exciting. Above all, he was deeply loved by his family and will be dearly missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Ryan (Beth), and his daughter, Lindsey Kirby (Adam); his grandsons, Tucker Hart, Connor Hart, Abel Kirby and Eli Kirby; his brother, John Hart (Francie) of Knoxville; and his sisters, Maureen Hart (Marta) of Seattle, and Margo Krakoviak (Sam) of Knoxville.
Due to the approaching holidays, the family held a small, private service. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church, 88 Baskervill Dr., Pawleys Island, S.C. 29585.
