James B. Shealy

James Bouknight “Jim” Shealy died Saturday, May 30, 2020. Several weeks ago Jim made the statement, “You know, I’ve had a marvelous life!” Jim was born in Sharon, SC to the late James Willie and Addy Bouknight Shealy. He graduated valedictorian of his class at Sharon High School and continued his studies at Newberry College earning a degree in Education.

Jim served his country in Army Military Intelligence in Japan and retired with over 20 years in the Army Reserves as a Major.

Beginning his teaching career, Jim served schools in Andrews and Kershaw. In North Augusta, he served as principal of Summerfield Elementary, Beech Island Elementary and Paul Knox Junior High. Earning his Master’s Degree from the USC College of Education, Jim was a major writer for a grant which provided funding for the first SC Teacher Corps. Relocating to Florence, Jim served as principal of Southside High School while at the same time preparing to open a new school, South Florence High School.  He was principal at South Florence for twelve years.

Following his retirement, Jim became an investment officer at Newberry Federal Bank. However, still having a heart for education, he volunteered through the bank to teach Junior Achievement classes at Newberry Junior High.  Jim was a leader in Lion’s Club, Boy Scouts of America, and SC Lutheran Men including a member of the Committee of 100.

Because, or maybe partly because, he married the “preacher’s daughter”, he became an avid Lutheran parishioner. He was a member of Wittenberg Lutheran Church in Leesville, SC.  He served on many church councils and committees, many times as chairman.

Jim was married to Mary Ann Wertz Shealy and they had two phenomenal sons: James Bouknight Shealy, Jr. (Amy) and Benjamin Lester Shealy (Danielle), six amazing grandchildren: Kaitlin Shealy Ross (Alan), Betsy Shealy, Zachariah Shealy, Abigail Shealy, Caroline Shealy, Isaac Shealy and two great-grandchildren, Rivers and James Ross.  Jim is also survived by his brother, Robert Wayne Shealy (Carolus) as well as a number of wonderful nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Willie Shealy Westmoreland.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at Wittenberg Lutheran Church Cemetery. Leading the service will be Pastors Emily Edenfield, Danielle Shealy and John E. Wertz.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Florence Eargle Wertz Scholarship at Newberry College or the L. Allan Wertz, Jr. Scholarship at The Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.

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