James Edward Poston, Jr.

James Edward Poston, Jr., 77, of Chapin, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Born in Lake City, South Carolina, on September 6, 1948, he was the son of the late James Edward Poston, Sr., and Sybil Fincher Poston. Jim graduated from Lake City High School (1966) and the University of South Carolina (1970), and remained in the Columbia area. Jim’s career was in banking, retiring from BB&T. He then finished his career at Congaree State Bank.

Jim loved his family, especially his grandsons. Gdaddy spent many hours playing baseball and football in the yard with them, teasing them with “buttafingas” for dropped balls. However, he rarely used the word “no”, preferring “ask Mimi” instead.

Jim’s hobbies were running and golfing and he was especially happy to do both at the beach, often enjoying a cold beer and cigar afterwards. Although never interested in competition, he did run one race (Go Leo 5k) with his grandson and came in 1st place in his division. He also liked to talk about his hole in one, but we could never get specifics from him about that, so it may have been a dream rather than reality (or putt putt, haha). 

Jim had a goofy personality, so the dementia took us by surprise because we initially thought his forgetfulness was just “Jim being Jim”. He had nicknames for most people, places and things, as well as numerous one liners and sometimes colorful phrases. He loved talking to people, and never met a stranger. And, 60’s music remained his lifelong jam. 

Although Jim was a South Carolina fan, he also cheered for Clemson, much to his family’s irritation. He liked to “get a rise” from us when the Gamecocks performed poorly….and sadly, he had many, many opportunities to needle us. However, as the dementia progressed, he became a true Gamecock fan (no smart aleck comments about that, please!).

We were very fortunate that Jim was able to remain at home. It wasn’t always easy, and would have been impossible without the excellent care of Three Oaks Hospice. The entire staff was attentive, caring and responsive, and we feel especially thankful to Rachel Lawson (RN) and Leila Hargrove (CNA) for their loving care. We already miss their daily visits and are deeply grateful for their amazing care, love and support to us all. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Nancy Farmer Poston; son, James E Poston III, daughters Paige Poston Mathias and Dana Poston Bourgoyne, along with grandsons, Graydon and Bowen Bourgoyne . He is also survived by his brother, Bill Poston. Besides his parents, Jim was predeceased by his daughter, Rachel Cecile Poston, and his grandson, Reece James Poston. 

Jim will be buried in his beloved hometown of Lake City, SC. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Lake City Memorial Park (522 W. Main Street, Lake City, SC 29560). Jim remained close to many of his classmates and friends from Lake City. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home (200 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Special Olympics SC (204 Palmetto Park Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072, so-sc.org/donate) or to Salem United Methodist Church (1321 Salem Church Rd, Irmo, SC 29063).