James Bernard Lybrand Jr.

1952 - 2025

Mr. James Bernard Lybrand, Jr.

November 23, 1952 - June 13, 2025

Columbia, South Carolina - James B. Lybrand, Jr., entered into eternal rest on Friday, June 13, 2025, with his beloved pups Milly and Winnie at his side.

Jim, as he was known to most, was born in Union, S.C. on November 23, 1952, and spent his childhood in various Upstate mill towns as his father worked in textile management. In 1965, the family moved to Clinton, a place he would come to call home and where he met many lifelong friends at Clinton High School.

A double Gamecock, Jim graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1975 and was awarded his juris doctor from the School of Law in 1978. Soon after starting his law practice he met Julie Forbes, the love of his life and wife of 43 years.

Jim practiced with the firm of McDonald, McKenzie, Rubin, & Miller, where he was later named partner, for more than 40 years. A lawyer's lawyer, Jim zealously defended his clients while endearing himself to his opponents and all who encountered him both in and out of the courtroom. He was a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, former member of the South Carolina Bar House of Delegates, certified mediator and arbitrator, and former adjunct professor at the law school. Most recently he was enjoying his status as elder statesman in the Bar, serving on the Supreme Court's Commission on Lawyer Conduct and practicing with his long-time law partner and friend, Jack McKenzie, at the firm of McKenzie Lybrand, LLP.

Jim was a loving and loyal husband, father, brother, and son. He was tremendously proud of his three daughters and would regale anyone who would listen with stories about his girls and their accomplishments, as well as his grandchildren's latest exploits.

Big Jim to his friends and family and Jimmy to his grandchildren, Jim was quick with a laugh or a story and loved to share his passion for music with others. He appreciated songs that explored societal issues and expressed complex emotions with poetic language. Whether it was Bob Dylan's "The Times They are a-Changin'" or Neil Young's desire for connection in his searching for a "Heart of Gold," Jim had a passion for artists who shared an honest perspective on the human condition. He will be greatly missed by his golf trip buddies, college classmates, church family, and a large circle of treasured friends and colleagues.

Jim is survived by his wife, Julie, of Columbia, and three daughters: Leigh Ellen Gray of Greenville (Cranston), Rebecca Alpert of Knoxville, TN (Ryan), and Laura Lybrand of Charleston. He leaves behind four precious grandchildren: Coleman and Oliver Gray and Mary Margaret and Annie Alpert.

He is also survived by his loving sister Anna Boyle of Columbia and brothers-in-law David Forbes (Sara) of Charleston and Doug Forbes of Columbia, as well as nieces Adrienne Whaley (Wells) of Sullivan's Island and Anna Lynn Sproehnle (Paul) of Apex, NC.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Martha Hemphill Lybrand; father, James B. Lybrand, Sr.; and brother-in-law, Pringle Boyle.

A memorial service will be held at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church in Columbia on Thursday, June 19 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception following the service at the church. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

As an expression of sympathy and in celebration of Jim's life, memorial gifts may be made to Trenholm Road United Methodist Church and to USC Educational Foundation/Law Carolina Fund in memory of James Lybrand, 1027 Barnwell Street, Columbia, SC 29208.