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Jim Southern Obituary
March 1, 2025
Columbia, South Carolina - Jim Southern's life will be celebrated on March 16 at 3:00 p.m. in a Memorial Service at First Baptist Church, Columbia, SC. Jim was born in April of 1934 to Lucille and Dewey Lee Southern. He was pre-deceased by a brother, William Gray Southern and his sister-in-law, Alice. Jim was born in Winston Salem NC, but moved to North Charleston where he lived until college.
He was a graduate of North Charleston High School where he played football, basketball and ran track. He earned degrees at Mars Hill College and at USC in Columbia. He also earned a Masters of Education degree at USC. He taught at Crayton middle school where he was a teacher, guidance counselor, coach and assistant principal. He served as Admissions Director and Dean of Students at Midlands Technical College for 20 years.
A man of strong faith, he touched many lives through First Baptist Church where he was an active member, a life deacon, a Sunday School Teacher, and a choir member. He was a volunteer and supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and he was on the Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors of Charleston Southern University. He enjoyed music, the outdoors, playing tennis, pickleball, golf, and gardening. He was an artist who skillfully carved birds from wood. Several of his bird carvings won prizes in statewide and regional contests.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Patricia Holmes Southern; as well as his daughter, Leigh Ann Taylor (Mark), and son, Durant Southern (Robin); grandsons, Mark II (Kara) and Andrew Taylor, Justin Southern; grand-daughter, London West (Madison); and great-grandson Pierce Taylor.
Memorials may be given to the Southern Family Scholarship at Charleston Southern University.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Southern
Ed Wimberly
March 18, 2025
Jim has been a friend and mentor for many years and he has always exemplified what I feel is a true follower of Christ! The hours of conversations that I´ve had with him have made me a better person and Christian and I will miss his gentle passion and kind wisdom! I look forward to reuniting with him in God´s great gathering!! A life well lived!!! I´ll miss my friend til then!!
E Jane Burrus
March 17, 2025
The Celebration service was wonderful. Praying for Pat and family
Jane Burrus
Earl and Donna Humes (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
March 15, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mary H. Holloway
March 15, 2025
Pat and Durant:
I celebrate Jim's life and legacy with you and your family. Jim was My Dean and My Brother in Christ. After he retired from Midlands Technical College (MTC), whenever we saw each other, he would tell me that hiring me was one of the best decisions he made. and of course I would agree. I retired this year with 42 years of rewarding service at MTC.
Thank you Jim for see my potential and supporting me in my professional growth. You have fought the good fight and finished the race. Well done good and faithful servant.
Dr. Mary H. Holloway
Past Vice President for Student Development Services, MTC
Catherine Wooldridge Robinson
March 13, 2025
Pat and family, I was so sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. I live in North Carolina now so I will not be able to attend the service or visitation but I wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Jim and I worked together at MTC for many years and we were also Church members together at First Baptist. Jim was a wonderful, Christian man who was a great witness everywhere he went. I remember when I moved to NC he and Eli were kind enough to assist me in loading my last things in a U Haul truck on that last day. I remember fondly Christmas parties for our department at your beautiful home. God is with you always and we WILL SEE JIM IN HEAVEN AGAIN with JESUS! Praise the Lord!
Lori Christensen
March 12, 2025
I met Jim when my parents became his neighbors at Turkey Pointe. One of my earliest introductions to him was when he was out on his regular bike ride through the neighborhood. He had a sparkle about him that radiated his love for Jesus! He had a positive impact on so many and will be sorely missed. As a Christian, we know he is surely rejoicing in his new heavenly address.
Kim Abbott
March 12, 2025
Although as a man of faith in Jesus Christ our Savior- and we know where he is for eternity- he will be sorely missed here. I will always remember Jim with a calming word, a sparkle in his eyes, and a warm smile. God Bless his dear wife Pat and his entire family.
Carl A. Ellsworth
March 12, 2025
To the Southern Family, I was saddened to hear of Coach Southern's passing. He was my Crayton Junior High basketball coach when I was the captain of the team which went undefeated and list in the city championship to Hand. He was a wonderful man and excellent mentor. God bless you.
Karen Kelley Hall
March 11, 2025
I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Mr Southern while a student at Crayton...In my adult years he became a friend as we praised our Lord at FBC... I still couldn´t bring myself to call him "Jim, " even after so many years had passed... Mr Southern´s sweet smile and gentle spirit will be greatly missed!!! His was a life well lived for sure!
Kevin and Carol Duggan
March 10, 2025
Jim,
will be missed by all who had known him. His strong spiritual conviction to goodness and his willingness to help both students and co-workers made him a valued person to know in life. Jim Southern will always be greatly missed by family and friends.
John Tobias
March 10, 2025
Mr Southern's soft spoken discipline gained him the respect and admiration from the student body. Even for repeat visitors (offenders) to his office, he always explained why and then smiled before handing out punishment. Nothing but fond memories. God bless you Jim.
Frank J.Brunson, RPh (retired)
March 10, 2025
I remember Mr. Southern from Crayton School and I am sad to learn of his passing.
His soft-spoken discipline was wrought on me as a coach and fortunately not as assistant principal.
Also seems I remember having his wife as my 2nd or 3rd grade teacher as well!
I understand he was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Eugene Vann Burrus
March 10, 2025
Mr. Southern was one of my Sunday School teachers as I grew up at FBC. Always with a warm smile and demeanor, he exhibited a love for the Lord and all people in every way. The Lord has now acknowledged him as a good an faithful servant. Prayers for the family in the coming days
William Wilson MD
March 10, 2025
I was gifted a beautiful hummingbird carved by Jim on my retirement by my staff. It´s one of my most prized possessions. He was truly a gifted artist and a gentleman.
Sue Holmes
March 9, 2025
God´s peace to our long time tpc neighbor in Columbia. A life well lived. Sue and Baron Holmes, Asheville, NC
David Brown
March 9, 2025
I grieve the loss of a lifetime friend. My condolences to his family. I look forward to us being reunited in eternity.
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