James Edwin McTeer, Jr.

September 22, 1938 - January 21, 2024

Beaufort, South Carolina - James Edwin McTeer, Jr., 85, passed peacefully on January 21st, 2024. Ed was born on September 22, 1938 in Charleston, SC to the late James Edwin McTeer, Sr. and Lucille Lupo McTeer of Beaufort.

Ed was a graduate of Beaufort High School. He then attended Clemson University. Little Ed was a true Beaufortonian, growing up on Bay Street, working on what is now known as the Woods Memorial Bridge, and being a member of the JayCees, where he made lifelong friends. He followed in his father's footsteps with a career in law enforcement. He dedicated 34 years to the SC Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, now known as SCDNR, He rose to the rank of captain, covering the entire SC coast. He was recognized as Conservation Officer of the Year by multiple governors as well as Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. It was no secret that the woods and waters of the Lowcountry were what he enjoyed, from duck hunting on Hilton Head Island as a teenager to building a camp on Capers Island where the whole family spent wonderful summers. After retirement, Ed filled his days working on his horse farm at Coffin Point Plantation. There was nothing he couldn't fix or build! His biggest joy in life, however, were his grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Jane "Mookie" McTeer Woods and Sally McTeer Chaplin. He will be forever missed by his wife of 36 years, Kathy Garcia McTeer. He also leaves behind his sister Georgianna McTeer Cooke and brother Thomas McTeer (Kathleen), daughters Temple McTeer DaSilva (Jack); Miranda McTeer Dixon (Philip); step children Nicole Miller, Ryan Heaver, and Brent Heaver, as well as grandchildren Riley Dixon (Meagan), Amelia Dixon, Bryson Miller, Coates Miller and Sarah Mellot.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held on January 30th at 11:00 am at the Saint Helena Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ed may be made to the St. Helena Baptist Church or Friends of Caroline Hospice.

Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Island Packet on Jan. 24, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James McTeer

4 Entries

John Floyd

March 6, 2024

I had the pleasure of working under Captain McTeer for several years. He was an exceptional supervisor and friend. He always had his officer's backs whenever it was needed. And he was outspoken whenever he felt something was not in the best interest of his subordinates or the mission of the Department.

Sally Murphy

January 27, 2024

When I was the sea turtle and marine mammal biologist, I was on call 24/7 to respond to stranded animals on the beach. Even though I was not in the law enforcement division, Capt. McTeer provided me with a cell phone. That´s just one example of how he was a team player and looked out for others.

Michael Thompson

January 24, 2024

Working for and along with Captain McTeer was a great experience.
He always supported our needs to get the job done.
Captain McTeer was a friend at the same time being our leader.
His office door was always open and we could always depend on his support of what ever plan you had to get the job done.
I remember then Conservation Officer McTeer wrote me a ticket at age16 for water skiing without a lookout or a mirror. At court, Judge Polk ask me what he should do and I ask him to let me go.
Captain McTeer and Kathy made our office a respected DNR Unit.
Ed,
you will be missed and have left your mark on our hearts.
Mike Thompson

Jimmy Warko

January 23, 2024

I worked under Capt. Ed for many years in District 9 Port Royal office....He always had our backs and we were like a family with Ed being our Big Poppa.....He Loved his officers and often bragged on how hard we worked....He was also my friend and I Loved him....His wife Kathy was and is a blessing as she worked hard and always was there for us.....A better couple I have never seen....."Your light shone so brightly I can´t really believe it´s gone. You touched not only my heart but so many peoples and left a mark on this world that won´t be forgotten. Goodbye my friend".

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