John Peter Wourms

Dr. John P. Wourms
Clemson, SC

Dr. John Peter Wourms, 77, of 209 Edgewood Ave. died Sunday, February 3, 2013 in Easley.

Born in New York City, he was a son of the late John Peter and Mary Babula Wourms. Early on he was an avid reader and collector of interesting books and artifacts. He attended Fordham University where he received both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Biological Sciences. His most memorable experience was sailing around the world aboard the R.V. TeVega in 1964, which gave him the opportunity to climb Mt. Kiimanjaro. In the late 60's he traveled to the West Coast where he attended Stanford University and earned his Ph.D. He then returned to the East Coast and did post doctorate work at Harvard University. While there he met his lifelong partner and wife, Deborah Deane Wourms, whom he married in 1972. In 1976, he and his wife moved to Clemson, SC where he eventually settled. He began work at Clemson University and became a full professor of Biological Sciences until his retirement in 2006. In 1979, they celebrated the arrival of their only son, Nicholas Stephen Wourms.

John was a devoted husband, loving father and earnest scientist. Family always came first, but his work was a close second. A gentleman and a scholar, John wanted to set an example for his son, who he involved in his work from an early age. He never stopped to rest on his laurels; publishing articles and writing books. In 1984 he was recognized as a John Simon Guggenheim Fellow and was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society in 1997.

Memorial services will be 2 PM, Sunday at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church with Rev. Laura Conrad officiating.

The family will greet friends in Tartan Hall at the church immediately following the services.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 Edgewood Ave., Clemson, SC 29631.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.