Horace James II

The Life and Legacy of Deacon Horace James, II

Deacon Horace James, II, transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Monday, May 30, 2022, at Trident Medical Center in North Charleston, South Carolina. Today we gather to celebrate Horace’s new life with his heavenly Father, a life wrapped in the presence of his God, Lord, and Savior. We rejoice in the wonderful life God gave him and know that his gentle spirit will always be with us.

Born on May 25, 1944, Horace was the eldest son of the late Horace James, Sr. and Harriett James.

Horace accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, was baptized and became a member of Springfield Baptist Church in Eutawville, South Carolina. His faith blossomed as he attended church regularly and participated in various church activities.

Upon leaving South Carolina for the state of New York, Horace did not stray from his religious upbringing. He became a member and ordained deacon of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Wappingers Fall, New York.

Horace graduated from Roberts High School in Holly Hill, South Carolina in 1962. Following graduation, he moved to the state of New York for better employment and educational opportunities. He furthered his education by attending the CBS Television Network, NYC, New York City Department of Corrections Academy and South Carolina Justice Academy.

On November 28, 1964, Horace married his wife of 58 years, Barbara, who stayed by his side until he transitioned on Monday, May 30, 2022. This union was blessed with two children, Rev. Horace, III and Valerie. Horace was a faithful husband and a devoted and loving father to his children.

Professionally, Horace was employed with the city of New York, retiring in 1991 as Captain of Corrections. He later worked as Chief of Security for the Orangeburg-Calhoun Regional Detention Center. Horace retired from there in 2012. Horace later became affiliated with Orangeburg County School District as a Hearing Officer.

Horace stepped in to help with his quiet strength and his gentle spirit to encourage, support and pray for a positive outcome. Most importantly, he loved God and lived by “If I Can Help Somebody as I Pass Along Then My Living Shall Not Be in Vain.”

At Springfield Missionary Baptist Church, he was Vice-Chairman of the Deacon Ministry, Youth Ministry Advisor, Chairman of the Deacon and Deaconess Anniversary Committee, Chairman of the Annual Church Picnic Committee Youth Sunday School Teacher. Horace also assisted the Pastor with the baptizing of baptismal candidates.

Horace made an impact on the community of Eutawville, the County of Orangeburg and the State of South Carolina. He served as President and 1st Vice-President of the Palmetto State Law Enforcement Association from 2007-2012, Board of Trustee Member of the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, South Carolina for more than 16 years. He was also the former President of the Concerned Citizen of District #66 for 16 years, Former 1st Vice-President of the Eutawville Branch of the NAACP, Former President of Gillard Park Community Center, Eutawville, Former member of the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, Former Chairperson of the Referendum Committee ( Orangeburg County Consolidated School District Three), Legal Redress of NAACP, Eutawville Branch, and Former President and Paul Harris Fellow of Lake Marion Rotary Club in Santee, South Carolina.

In addition to his parents, our dearly departed was predeceased by his son, Rev. Horace James, III, his sister Mable Efferson, and his brother Billy (Bobby) James.

To live in the hearts of those you love, is not to die!

Deacon Horace leaves to cherish his memories and legacy, his devoted wife, Barbara James, his loving daughter, Dr. Valerie James, his adorable granddaughters, Kyla and Nina, grandson of the heart Ernie; his sisters, Laura Sands and Elizabeth (Johnnie) Gadson; his sisters-in-law, Janie Barnes, Martha Rogers, and Susie James, his brothers-in-law Charles and Dexter Rock, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and guidelines when visiting the family and funeral home.  Masks are required at all times. 

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