Washington C. James, Jr.

Washington Christopher James Jr., the son of Washington Chris James Sr. and Anna Nelson James, was born March 18, 1947 in New York, New York.

James later moved to Pinewood, South Carolina, where he received his education in public schools. He graduated from Manchester High School and shortly after graduation he entered the United States Army. James served as a 101st Airborne Ranger Paratrooper. As a brave young Paratrooper, he fought in the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, he returned to Sumter, South Carolina. James worked and continued his education at Sumter Technical College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He was always intrigued by challenges, math, learning and continued his education. “James’ aka Jr” ventured into sewing, masonry, construction, auto mechanics, and later auto body painting and repair.

James enjoyed learning and studying topics until mastery but believed in enjoying life. During this journey he met Ilona “Edith” Boatwright James, with whom he married, and this union blossomed into 56 years of marriage. During these years of joy, they decided to have two children, Irene James & Tyrell James, with whom he shared his knowledge, skills, support, and unconditional love. He achieved his goal to teach his children to become independent, productive and self-sufficient citizens. While balancing his life as a husband and father, he worked endlessly as a Civil Engineer and came home to paint cars and do mechanic work. This allowed his wife to stay home throughout their marriage, raise the kids and enjoy her wifely duties. James gave his wife, children, and grandchildren his all. He would often say to his family, “I can’t promise to love you for the rest of your life, but I promise to love you for the rest of my life”. He was a good husband, father, brother, and friend.

James' life was centralized around keeping God first, enjoying his family and hobbies. His hobbies mostly involved things that promoted strategic thinking, risk assessment, and tactical mastery. More specifically, he enjoyed spending time reading, playing chess, hunting, fishing, physics, and math. His love for learning led to mastery of many skills and sharing that knowledge with others. James was always a phone call away. He enjoyed giving guidance, lending a helping hand, sharing his skills, math tutoring, and doing auto body mechanics and painting cars for his friends and others.

James’ character was defined by “self-less service”. His upbringing along with his Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage, framed his life to share, support and build up others.

James would work endlessly and enjoyed challenging tasks. He refused to quit on a task even if it took days to figure out. He was very resilient and persistent. James enjoyed physical activities, boxing, and entered karate with Sumter Academy of Martial Arts. There, he entered karate, along with his daughter and son. After years of karate, the trio achieved brown belt rank and made lifelong friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his Millcreek Hunting Club family, as a member for decades, and later served as an officer. With the Millcreek family, he made beloved lifelong friendships. He interacted with all members and guests to ensure everyone was entertained, taken care of and experienced a safe and fun hunting experience.

James was preceded in death by his father, Washington Chris James; mother, Anna Nelson James; and brothers, Rufus James and Bobby James.

James was called home by His Heavenly Father on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina, surrounded by his loving family.

James leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife, Ilona James of Sumter, SC; two children, Irene (Trevor) James-Frazer, and Tyrell James, both of Columbia, SC; two grandchildren, whom he loved dearly with all his heart; Trevonte’ Frazer and Jordan Frazer, both of Columbia, SC; one brother, Frank Richardson of Silver Street, SC; two sisters, Dora (Isham) Polk and Betty Jones, both of Pinewood, SC; a host of nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly; and his extended family members from Sumter Academy of Martial Arts and the Millcreek Hunting Club, with whom he shared jokes, laughter, and infinite friendships.