Obituary of James S. Cleckler

LEXINGTON—James S. (Jim) Cleckler, 64, of Lexington passed away on Monday, January 27, 2014, following a brief illness. A service honoring and celebrating his life and memories will be held on Friday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church, 1205 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington. The family will receive friends at a reception in the church Fellowship Center following the service. Burial will be in Woodridge Memorial Park on Corley Mill Road, Lexington. Born May 22, 1949, in Tryon, N. C., Jim was the son of the late George L. Cleckler and Sue Smith Cleckler. He is survived by his loving mother, Sue, and his brother Mike (Linda) Cleckler, his sister Susan (Bill) Stilwell, his wife of 43 years, Lynn Alley Cleckler, by his very special God Children, by his niece and nephews, and by his like-a-brother best friend Buddy and wife, Judy Caldwell. Jim loved all sports especially playing baseball, football, golf, and later in life adding turkey and deer hunting. He often said "Man, I had a great childhood growing up in West Columbia playing baseball and football." A 1967 graduate of Brookland Cayce High School (he was class president all four years), he played on the 1966 BC 3-A State Championship Football Team and received All American and Triple A Back of the Year honors. He also played in the 1966 Shrine Bowl game. Jim earned a full Athletic Scholarship to the University of South Carolina and was proud to be a member of the Gamecock 1969 ACC Championship team. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Brookland Cayce Class of 1967, the Brookland Cayce 1966 Championship Football Team, and the USC Gamecock Biddies, along with the members of the Mt. Horeb United Methodist Men's Prayer Breakfast. Jim graduated from USC in 1971 with a BA degree in business. Early in his professional career he was involved in county government administration serving as County Managers of Newberry County and Lancaster County. Later his interest turned to the insurance industry and he spent many years with Colonial Life and Accident. He then started his own company, The Palmetto Company. He wanted to serve his community and make a difference. He was a life member of Brookland Methodist Church, serving in several church offices. He was a regular attendee at the Mt. Horeb Men's Prayer Breakfast each Friday. He was appointed and served on the Lexington County Assessment Appeals Board. He served as Chairman of the Board of the Children's Trust of SC and of the Richland County CASA. He was on the Board of the SC National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Jim is a member of the Brookland Cayce Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim has been described as a caring Christian filled with love, loyalty, caring, determination and encouragement who would love you and stick with you no matter what. He was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. Memorials can be made to The Children's Trust, 1634 Main Street, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29201, or to Caringbridge.org or to the charity of your choice. Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29073 will be assisting the family.