Obituary of Robert M. James

CAYCE—Robert M. "Bob" James, Jr., 65, of Cayce, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2013. Born in Fredericksburg, VA, he was the son of the late Robert M. James and Viola V. Covington. Bob was raised in Fredericksburg, VA. Upon graduating high school, he was accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University, and became the first in his family to attend and graduate college. He then moved to Columbia, SC and earned a Master's Degree in Education at The University of South Carolina. He taught History at Airport High School before accepting an Assistant Principal's position there. The following year, he was hired as the principal of Swansea High School, becoming the youngest Principal in the history of SC Public Schools at 23 years old. After 20+ years, he accepted the same position at Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, where he remained until his retirement. He was known by his friends for his frank attitude, his incessant joke telling, and his undying love for his wife, Sally, who died 2 years ago. Surviving are his daughter, Kirklyn James of Cayce; son, Robert "Mitch" M. James III of Gaston; grandchildren, Kendal Alexxis James, Chaley Alyssa James, Tyler Braxton Hamilton, Alley Brianna Hamilton, John Khayleb Johnson and Laikynn Nicole Farmer. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 32 years, Sally James. The family will greet friends from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia. They will continue to greet friends at D's Wings, in Parkland Shopping Center at the corner of Knox Abbott and State Street from 3- 5 p.m.