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Dr. James Edward Seegars
1931 - 2022
Dr. James Edward Seegars
1931 - 2022
Obituary
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Dr. James Seegars Obituary
Dr. James Edward Seegars, Jr., husband of Shirley Thompson Seegars for 69 years, passed away July 23, 2022 surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born in Charleston, SC on March 3, 1931 to James Edward and Lula Meree Seegars. He was pre-deceased by four sisters: Charlotte Seegars, Eleanor S. Allen (David), Evelyn S. Glover (Harold) and Barbara S. Crissey (Jack).
Dr. Seegars is survived by his wife and their seven children: Susan Harrison (Don), Kathleen Coffey (Ed), Kimberly Clayton (Ziggy), Dana Phillips (Lee), Jamie Brock, Jeannie Tate (Brian), and Jay Seegars (Anna); their fifteen grand-children: Nathan and Drew Harrison; Chase, Justin and Tyler (Wang) Coffey; Gash, Bryant and Jamie Clayton; Ali and James Brock; Evie and Maron Tate; Cate, Mason and James Seegars. Also, surviving are their thirteen great grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews.
He attended Charleston High School and was a graduate of The Citadel, class of 1953. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he received a MA from the University of South Carolina and a PhD from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Seegars was recruited as Chairman of the Psychology Department at Wofford College where he served for 37 years. The Psychology Hall, the Idea Room, and one of the upperclassmen residential houses at Wofford are named in his honor. He also maintained a private clinical practice. He was honored to serve as president of the South Carolina Psychologists Association as well as serving on many local boards of directors including, Spartanburg Mental Health, the Charles Lea Center, the York Place Episcopal Home for Children, among others. Dr. Seegars was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent since his arrival in Spartanburg in 1961. He served as Senior Warden on the Vestry, taught Sunday School and lead the youth group for many years.
Dr. Seegars touched the lives of many. He was a devoted husband, father, teacher and advisor. He will be deeply missed.
A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, July 28th, 3:00PM at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, officiated by The Reverend Paula Griffin.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice and do something that makes you feel peaceful.
Melton "Randy" Francis
November 3, 2022
Got Wofford Today today and was saddened to read of the passing of Dr. Seegars. I was a Sociology major with a minor in Psychology at Wofford and Dr. Seegars was one of three professors that gave me the tools which made me the man and seeker of knowledge I am today. R.IP. Professor.
Barbara Watson DeeryDeery
August 14, 2022
Shirley: How sad I am to learn of Jim’s recent passing! We worked together at the State Hospital in the late 50s and I remember both of you with great fondness. What a wonderful partnership you two displayed for so many years. Jim was a brilliant and sensitive teacher and mentor. My grandson, Chandler McMillan of Spartanburg (whose family also attends the Church of the Advent), a senior at Wofford, felt very honored to have met Jim, though he didn’t have any classes with him. Sending love and prayers for your healing. Barbara Watson Deery
Amanda Griffeth
August 8, 2022
I totally missed his passing. I would have been at the memorial service/celebration of his glorious life. Dr Seegars had the best smile that set off his blue eyes that twinkled with mischief. He was kind, funny, and so supportive. He was my favorite professor. I learned so much from this man that made getting my MSW a breeze. He was a master in the classroom. He never forgot me even though we sometimes went years between seeing each other.
I know he is missed by so many. My condolences to Jay (we overlapped at Wofford) and the entire family. The Wofford family feels your loss. I hope he is remembered with many rounds of golf.
Ashley Aytes
August 6, 2022
Rest well Uncle Buddy. You touched many lives and will be missed dearly. Thank you for always listening and being there for me. You checked on me just to make sure I was okay throughout my whole life. I hope you know how much you are loved. Always
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JOAN CATHCART
August 5, 2022
DEAR SHIRLEY AND FAMILY. HOW SAD TO LOSE SUCH A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FRIEND TO SO MANY. NED AND I ALWAYS LOVED SEEING JIM AND HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF TIMES WE SHARED. HE WAS SO SPECIAL TO US. NED ALWAYS SOUGHT HIS ADVICE FOR SO MANY PATIENTS AND HE HELPED ME THROUGH MANY TOUGH TIMES IN MY LIFE. I GRIEVE WITH YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU TO GET THROUGH THIS WITH GOD'S BLESSINGS. I AM HERE FOR YOU.....WHENEVER AND FOR WHATEVER. WITH LOVE, JOAN CATHCART
Ken Bedenbaugh
August 4, 2022
Dr. Seegars was the best professor I had at Wofford. I was in the class of '70 and there were 10 psychology majors in my class. He was always entertaining and always made you happy that you didn't cut his classes! I remember his warm smile and gentle manner, but most of all I remember his intellect. Wofford was better because of him and what he taught me has served me well over the years. I had to chuckle once, when I was in graduate school at USC, that I had a Child Psychology class using the same book we had chosen for us at Wofford. That made me appreciate him all the more.
To his family, I hope that the fond memories of this great man will sustain you in difficult times. His influence on the field of human behavior will endure for generations to come. I am just proud to have been one of those fortunate enough to have been one of his students.
Ken Bedenbaugh
B.A. Psychology
Wofford Class of '70
Mark Dempsey
July 30, 2022
So sorry to read about the passing of Dr. Seegars. He was a true Southern Gentleman and I enjoyed having him as a professor at Wofford.
May God Bless you all in this time of grief.
Mark Dempsey
Wofford Class of 1990
April Aytes
July 29, 2022
Uncle Buddy, you were one of the best men I've ever had the pleasure of being related too. Losing you is a devastating loss to our family and you will always be loved and remembered.
Karen McBride
July 28, 2022
As a psychology major at Wofford, I was tremendously blessed to have Dr. Seegars as a professor. He was indescribably kind, loving, and funny. One of my favorite memories is how he walked around the room lecturing and would stop, put his hand on a student’s shoulder, and start leaning on the student all the while continuing to lecture. We were always a captive audience. Over the years, we would see him at Wade’s and he always took the time to speak. His kindness lives on in the lives of his family and in the hearts of the many students who sat in his classroom. I had him for exactly one class and I will never forget him.
Walt Lronard
July 28, 2022
James..i will miss you so much. In so many ways, you were my second Dad. You were such a good and loyal friend to my real dad. I’ll always be grateful for that. You meant so much to me. I could tell you anything and feel safe doing so. Your counsel was always so wise and non-judgemental.
Playing golf on Tuesdays with you was a highlight of my life. We played together most of my life, beginning when I was 13.
Tuesdays were so important. Ill never forget when you had to quit.
Rest well my dear friend. You impacted my life so much. Thank you.
Clarence Abercrombie
July 28, 2022
Dr. Seegars was a gentleman and an altogether admirable colleague. Legions of students loved him, and I understand why. Ab Abercrombie, retired Wofford teacher
Robert Wootton, Jr.
July 28, 2022
I remember fondly the kind eyes and warm, soft-spoken patience and gentleness of Dr. Seegars. Growing up just down the street from The Seegars, I recall how often family gathered at their home, and how the Seegars, led by this kind man, were always kind to others. Although Dr. Seegars will be sorely missed, his legacy will continue in his large and wonderful, welcoming family. Rest in peace, Dr. Seegars and thank you for your service to others.
Michaele Kubacz
July 27, 2022
Dr. Seegars was my first psychology teacher and one of reasons I went into the field. I remember how he was able to make connections with all of his students. I found his teaching style fascinating and his love for psychology was apparent. My deepest condolences to the family.
Martha and Brooks Harris
July 27, 2022
Seldom was the patriarch of this very close and loving strong family. Keep his memory alive in your hearts . We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Chad Gabrich
July 27, 2022
As a psych major I had a lot of interaction with Dr. Seeger’s. He’s one of the reasons why I enjoy teaching psychology after all these years.
Kori Meyers
July 27, 2022
Dr. Seegars was one of my favorite Wofford professors. He always had such a kind and gentle spirit. Now years later as I’m in my own private practice, I hope to offer some of that to my own clients remembering where it all began. Peace and love to his family.
Mylene Virata
July 27, 2022
Prayers to the Seegars family. Dr. Seegars...the best professor, a true mentor, and great confidant. I know he will be missed by many since he was such an inspiration. I felt so blessed to be able to keep in touch with him throughout the years. He made a huge impact on my life as a student, graduate assistant, and friend. May God give Mrs. Seegars and the family peace and comfort knowing that he touched the lives of many and will forever live in our hearts.
Tracy Taylor
July 27, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Penny Wyatt
July 27, 2022
So very sorry for your loss! Dr. Seegar´s was one of the finest teachers I ever had! I so enjoyed his classes as well as his kindness! Our prayers are with you all! Penny Wyatt
Laura June McDuffe
July 27, 2022
Shirley, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Dr Seegars was such a good man, and I know how much you loved him. Wishing you comfort in the days ahead.
Michael Jameson
July 27, 2022
Such a wonderful, caring, and inspiring man. He meant so much to so many in this community. Peace be with you during this difficult time.
Sanjay Patel
July 27, 2022
Praying for your family! Great memories of Dr. Seeger’s from my time at Wofford.
Catherine Oxner
July 26, 2022
What an honor to have know this amazing man. He positively influenced my collegiate and post graduate education and I was able to keep up with him as I started my career. His intelligence, compassion, and impact on countless students and clients will carry on for generations. Prayers to Shirley and your family as you honor his legacy and grieve his loss.
Angi Powell
July 26, 2022
Jeannie,
Thinking of you and your family. Praying for comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Debbie (Hall) Oakes Banks
July 26, 2022
Shirley, My mom, Virginia Hall, loved you and Jim so very much. I am deeply saddened to learn of Jim´s passing. Please know my prayers are with you and your family. Lovingly, Deb
Dr. David and Marie Wren
July 26, 2022
We would like to express our sincere condolences. Dr. Seegars was a wonderful professor who made this 18 year old girl at ease in his classroom. I ended up drawing a test for alcoholism for Dr. Seegars. He gave me my very first A as a college. He was a wonderful friend and teacher. May GOD surround his family with His Perfect Peace and Love to his family and friends.
Joyce Morrow
July 26, 2022
May the love of friends and family be of comfort to you! Sorry for the loss of your love one
Jo Peavey
July 26, 2022
Much love to ALL of the Seeger’s family. WHAT a man. There are no words! He and I “conversed” so often on line these last few yearshe and so many of you have meant so much to the Peavey family through the years love, hugs and prayers to you all.
Jo and Marion
Reisha Caldwell
July 26, 2022
Praying for your family! Special hugs to Brian, Jeannie, Evie, and Maron.
July 26, 2022
Sending prayers for the whole family.
Ken and Karen Cox and their children
Edward Williams
July 26, 2022
Prayers for the whole Seegar Family, may Jesus comfort you in these difficult times
Susan Baker
July 26, 2022
Dr. Seegars was such a special man and an important influence in my life. I am grateful to have known him. Sending my love and condolences.
Margaret and Edward Champion
July 26, 2022
Dear Dana, Lee and other family members, please know our love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. May our GOD Bless each of you in this great loss. Hugs to you all and Prayers going up!
Faye Boukedes
July 26, 2022
My sympathy to Shirley and the family. My love to Kim and Jamie Faye boukedes
Ann & David Oquinn
July 26, 2022
To the Seegars family I am so sorry for your loss. Dr Seegars was such a wonderful and caring person he will missed by so many people.
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690 Southport Road P.O. Box 6424, Roebuck, SC 29376
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