Obituary of James Gaskin

Mr. James W. Gaskin, Sr., 87, husband of the late Vivian Bennett Gaskin, died on Wednesday, May 2, 2012. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on April 13, 1925. He was the son of the late Theo Gaskin Griffin and James Edison Gaskin. Mr. Gaskin had four brothers, and four sisters. He graduated from Dreher High School and went on to earn a two-year business degree. In his early years he served in the United States Navy during WWII and later retired from the United States Post Office. Mr. Gaskin pursued several entrepreneurships, including Fins and Paws Pet Store and G&H Mail Service. He was a wise man and a gentleman in every sense of the word. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making people smile. He found pleasure in living a simple life and thinking of others first. Mr. Gaskin loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed reading and crocheting. Mr. Gaskin liked to educate you on interesting facts and share words of wisdom. Working in what he call his ?Secret Garden?, full of azaleas, camellias, roses, and various other flowers brought him great joy. Mr. Gaskin was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Reformation Church. Mr. Gaskin was predeceased by his beloved wife, Vivian Bennett Gaskin, and a daughter, Thelma Baker. Surviving are his daughters, Gail Motley (Marion) and Jimmie Kay Gaskin; a son, J.W. Gaskin, Jr. (Annette); a step-daughter, Jamie Bennett Hawkins; his son-in-law, Kenny Baker; his first wife and good friend, Hazel Gaskin; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and a host of other special friends that will miss him dearly. A visitation for James W. Gaskin, Sr. will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, May 5, 2012 at Greenlawn Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2012 in Greenlawn Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. On-line condolences may be sent to www.greenlawn-columbia.com. The family has entrusted Greenlawn Funeral Home with the arrangements.