James "Jim" Vernon Backman

James (Jim) Vernon Backman entered Heaven’s Gate on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.  Jim was the son of the late William Lee and Cora Shull Backman.  He was married to the late Zelma Smith Backman until her death in 2014.

Jim was an auto mechanic for the majority of his life working for Black’s Garage, HL Chevrolet and retiring from Herndon Chevrolet after 45 years.  For a brief time he owned Backman Shell station in Lexington on West Main Street, the site of the current Libby’s Restaurant.  After retiring, his customers followed him to his back yard garage which he named Backman’s Garage.

Jim loved fishing, gardening - rivaling his brother Beck when it came to tomatoes, Nascar racing, Gamecock football and all things dealing with cars.  Above all, Jim loved his family and will be greatly missed by them as well as his friends.  Jim leaves us with many cherished memories, love of God and family, and lots of laughter.  He was a truly humble and honorable man.

Jim was a faithful member of Boiling Springs United Methodist Church of Lexington, SC until his health prevented his attending.  Jim loved nothing better than the children’s offering time when he made sure both his suit pockets were filled with coins for the children.

Jim is survived by his children, Leonard (Peggy), Roger (Sylvia), and Debbie (Jakie) Kyzer all of Lexington, and Danny (Gwen) of Gilbert, SC; grandchildren: Wesley (Jenny) Backman, Melissa (DeWayne) Kaufholz, Angela (Greg) Walters, Denise Kyzer, Jace (LeAnne) Kyzer, Adam (Kristy) Backman, and Tracy (Brad) Davis; great grandchildren: Noah & Oliviah Backman, Daniel & Adelyn Kaufholz, Lauren & Brandon Walters, Charlotte & Tucker Kyzer, Callie & Ivy Backman and Taylor Davis: brother, Ken (Judy) Backman of West Columbia, SC, sisters: Gladys Shealy, Mildred Ricard, both of Lexington, SC and Betty Rikard of Summit, SC; sister-in-law, Betty Outlaw.

Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by brothers: Burnice, Alvin “Beck” and Bill and his loving canine companion of many years, Banjo.

Services will be held at Boiling Springs United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 3:00 pm.  Visitation will be one hour before the service in the church sanctuary.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Boiling Springs UMC Multi-Use Building/Paving Fund.

The family would like to thank the staff of Morningside Assisted Living of Lexington and All Season Hospice for their care of the last 4 years.  Grateful thanks to his special caregiver, Betty, and special friends, Cheryl Sherrill, and Jean Hartley; and to the staff of Barr-Price Lexington for their compassion and caring during a difficult time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" Vernon Backman, please visit our floral store.