James Ernest Wharton was born in Binghamton, New York on October 4, 1899[1] to James H. Wharton and Mae Dibble.[2] He attended the public schools of Richmondville and graduated from Richmondville High School.[3] After his high school graduation, Wharton attended Albany Law School.[4]
During World War I, Wharton joined the Student Army Training Corps.[5] He enlisted as a private in October 1918, and was discharged in December, following the Armistice of 11 November 1918 that ended the war.[5] Wharton then completed his studies at Albany Law School, from which he graduated in 1919.[6]
Wharton worked for Travelers Insurance from 1920 until 1929.[6] He attained admission to the bar in 1923 and commenced a law practice in 1929.[3][7] A Republican, Wharton was the district attorney of Schoharie County, New York from 1932 until 1941.[6] From 1941 to 1951, he served as the county's surrogate, family, and county court judge.[3]
He was elected to the U.S. House in 1950 and served from January 3, 1951, until January 3, 1965.[7] In 1960, his Democratic opponent was Gore Vidal, whom Wharton defeated to win a fifth term.[6] In 1964, he was defeated for reelection by Democrat Joseph Y. Resnick.[8] After leaving Congress, Wharton resumed the practice of law and became involved in real estate development.[7]
Wharton was first married to Freda Boynton (1899-1979).[13] They divorced and he married Marion Turner (1913-2006).[6] With his first wife, Wharton was the father of a daughter, Beverly Wharton Radez.[6][13]