Jim Eubanks, a 1966 initiate of Xi Chapter at the University of South Carolina, transferred to Wharton as a junior. After arriving at Penn, he embraced his new Beta Pi brothers and became an active member at the Chapter House then located at 3900 Locust Street. His senior year, he was chosen by his “new” brothers to be Vice President at Beta Pi. By the time he graduated, he had made many lifelong Beta Pi friendships.
During the period of October 3-10, 2025, Jim, with his wife Kelly and son Ford, generously hosted four of his Beta Pi brothers at his six-bedroom beachfront house in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Visiting Jim were Dave DelDotto ’67, John Spittle ’66 and his wife Susie, Morty Cohen ’65 and his wife Della, and Tim Sotos ’67.
Unfortunately, the weather was not conducive to lying on the beach. There was no rain but the unexpectedly cool temperature deterred any ideas about lounging on the sand, even though the beach was only steps from the beach house. Nevertheless, the beach was still available for long strolls and viewing Emerald Isle’s famous sunsets.
Although the group had not seen each other for many years, there were no awkward moments. Many long conversations took place on the upper deck of the beach house that overlooked the beach and the ocean. Della Cohen remarked, “It’s as if they were still in the fraternity house.” There was a great deal of reminiscing and bringing everyone up to date on personal lives and accomplishments. Jim, Dave, and Jon were all still sharing an enthusiastic interest in motorcycles.
There were visits to local restaurants that had long served the Emerald Isle community and visitors. The most memorable were the visits to the Captain’s Kitchen fish truck for lunches of fried fish and “The World’s Best Shrimp Sandwich.” Was this a serious place to go for lunch? You know it was by their large coolers containing iced beverages. One large cooler was devoted solely to Mountain Dew and Diet Mountain Dew.
All the appreciative guests were sad to leave but will always continue to enjoy memories of their time at Emerald Isle.
