Friends of Jocassee (FOJ)
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-deductible public charity.
We provide a support system for area state parks, SC Department of Natural Resources, and the Foothills Trail.
Funds raised by FOJ provide resources that enhance recreation on or around Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges.
Lake Jocassee is a deep, clear mountain lake in northwest South Carolina, fed by cold Appalachian rivers that keep it cool year-round. Built in 1973 with the creation of the Jocassee Dam, the lake sits within Devils Fork State Park and is known for its remarkable visibility and natural beauty. Beneath its waters are remnants of old communities, including a former lodge and the site of a church cemetery featured in the film Deliverance. Several waterfalls flow directly into the lake, adding to its scenic appeal.
History
2011
First VIP Day with DUKE Sept. 2011
2013
Adopt a Hwy program began 2013
2018
First Paddle Splash – Oct. 2018
2012
Became a 501(c)(3) on Dec. 27, 2012
2014
First Water N Wildlife – May 2014
2021
First Fishing with Friends Trout Tournament May 2021
2013
First BellFest March 2013
2015
First Quarterly FOJ Fellowship – July 2015
2022
First Jocassee Santa – Dec. 2022
2013
By-laws adopted on June 12, 2013
2016
First Fall Fish Off – Nov. 2016
Resources
Trail Guide, Newsletters & State Park Websites
Oconee Bell Trail Guide
Newsletter Archives
Gorges State Park
Board Members
Executive Board Members
Dan Polstra
President
Traci BeGole
Vice President
Patrice Tutt
Secretary
Debbie Laughridge
Treasurer
Steven Erickson
Co Treasurer
Heyward Douglass
Steven Erickson
Rowdy Harris
Casey Jones
Sam Jones
Kristina Hernandez
Matthew McCreery
Matthew Thomas
Patrice Tutt
Shane White
Dan Whitten
Emeritus Board Members
Mike Atkins
Jennifer Bausman
Allan Boggs
Beth Clark
Kevin Evans
Brooks Wade
Kay Wade
Sherrie Whitten
Memorials
A Celebration of Life for Sherrie Whitten
On May 30th, what would have been her birthday, family, friends, and fellow nature lovers gathered on Lake Jocassee to honor the life and legacy of Sherrie Whitten, a beloved founding member of Friends of Jocassee (FOJ). She had served proudly as both President and Secretary and her leadership helped shape the organization’s mission and impact, leaving a lasting legacy in the preservation of one of South Carolina’s most treasured natural areas. Sherrie also served as the committee chair of BellFest, our annual spring festival celebrating the blooming of the rare Oconee Bell flower (Shortia galacifolia). BellFest always includes live music, interpretative stations on the Oconee Bell trail, vendors, kids activities, guest speakers, and a silent auction to benefit FOJ.
In true Sherrie fashion, the celebration took place where she felt most at home—on the waters of Lake Jocassee, surrounded by the beauty of the Jocassee Gorges. A flotilla of four full pontoon boats, carrying over 50 people, set out together in tribute. Among those aboard were Jocassee Lake Tours staff, South Carolina Master Naturalist friends, and Friends of Jocassee Board Members, all coming together to reflect on the incredible impact Sherrie had on their lives and on the Jocassee community.
Sherrie had a unique gift for bringing people to the lake—not just to see it, but to feel it, to love it, and to be inspired by it, just as she was. She was a mentor, mother, and friend—known by many as the nicest person you’d ever meet, someone who had a way of making everyone feel special.
Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, Sherrie’s spirit will live on in the stillness of the coves, the shimmer of the waterfalls, and the quiet magic of the Jocassee Gorges. Her passion and love for this place, and for the people she shared it with, will continue to inspire all who follow in her footsteps.
We miss you, Sherrie. Thank you for showing us how to love this place with all our hearts. ❤️
Nathan Pinner
It is with great sadness that we, the members of the board of directors for Friends of Jocassee, acknowledge the death of our current board president, Nathan Pinner, on Tuesday, February 28th. Nathan became an enthusiastic member of the Friends of Jocassee in October 2019 and was elected president in November 2021. He has served the organization with great passion and invested a great deal of time and effort in helping FOJ attain its goals and meet its objectives. His energy, vision, and passion for Lake Jocassee, the Jocassee Gorges, and Devils Fork State Park will be greatly missed. Nathan had lived in other parts of the world in his lifetime but felt that Lake Jocassee is one of the most unique places on earth. He contributed tirelessly to the protection and preservation of the area through his dedication to the Friends of Jocassee. We extend our deep sympathy to Nathan’s wife, Katelyn, and their daughters, Brenna, and Emery. We mourn the passing of one of our fellow earth keepers. Go rest high up on that mountain, dear friend. Condolences may be mailed to 6 Apex Ct. Greenville, SC 29617
Friends of Jocassee has placed a memorial bench in remembrance of Nathan’s contributions to our organization. This dedication took place at our BellFest event on March 16, 2024.
Debbie Richardson Fletcher
Everyone has been affected by the pandemic, some more than others. Last week, Friends of Jocassee lost Debbie Richardson Fletcher, one of our earliest supporters, to Covid. Because of her love for all things Jocassee, both past and present, she was the guest speaker at our first Annual Meeting. Through the years she supported our efforts, but especially at “BellFest” at the authors table with her books written about Jocassee. Whippoorwill Farewell: Jocassee Remembered is such a tribute to the past. Debbie will always be ‘remembered’ as one who loved this area as much as we do.
A donation to Friends of Jocassee to honor Debbie’s memory will support the ongoing efforts of our mission statement to “Preserve, Promote and Protect” the Jocassee Gorges.
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