John Robert McArthur

Columbia, South Carolina- Dr. John Robert McArthur, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and professor, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025. Born on March 10, 1957, in Great Falls, Montana, he was the son of Joe McArthur and the late Joyce Hydorn McArthur. John graduated from Montana State University in 1979 where he met his wife of 45 years, Mariann. He earned a Masters of Economics from Montana State University and went on to earn his PhD in Economics from the Claremont Graduate School in 1990. He spent much of his career as the Reeves Family Professor of Economics and Chair of the Economics Department at Wofford College, where he inspired and challenged generations of students to think deeply and critically. Beyond academia, John was an avid player of intramural basketball and enthusiastic beertender at Wofford homecomings where he enjoyed catching up with former students.

John recently retired to Lake Murray, where he was happiest manning the grill and listening to classic rock, watching his grandchildren play, and enjoying sunsets over the water. John was known for his work ethic, sharp intellect, and quiet wisdom. His life was all too short, but it turns out that it was a good one.

John is survived by his wife, Mariann, daughters Kristin Simons (Eric), Kayla Lawson (Blake), and Meghan McArthur, and grandchildren Claire Simons, Quinn Simons, and Noah Lawson, his father Joe McArthur, and siblings Kelly McArthur, Timmie McArthur, Michael McArthur (Lisa), and Erin Ginnaty (Matthew), along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Joyce McArthur, brothers Bryan McArthur and Bruce McArthur, and granddaughter Reagan Lawson. 

A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation.