On Monday, June 26, 2023, James Derrick Bouknight of Irmo passed away at the age of 91.
James “Jimmy” was born on September 21, 1931, in Irmo to Willie and Carrie (Derrick) Bouknight. He graduated from Irmo High School in 1949. He was no. 24 on the Irmo High Football Team. He worked as the manager of Colonial Stores on N. Main Street in Columbia and then worked and retired as a postal clerk with the US Postal Service at the call window of the postal branch on Assembly Street.
He was recognized and awarded by the US Postal Service for preventing and helping a man contemplating suicide on the postal grounds.
On Christmas Day, December 25, 1954, he married Evelyn Roberts Bouknight. They raised two daughters, Denise and Pamela.
James had a passion for gardening. He is best known for growing tomatoes and large pumpkins. He submitted and won several blue ribbons at the SC State Fair for the largest pumpkin.
He is lovingly known for his laughter, jokes, and kind and compassionate spirit.
James was preceded in death by his father, Willie, his mother, Carrie, four brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his daughters Denise Hollingsworth, and Pamela (Keith) Browning, his grandchildren, Amber (Justin) Whaley, Aaron (Jennifer) Wilson, Christopher (Meredith) Wilson, Eric Atchley, Bethany (Matt) Hunt, eight great-grandchildren, and his brother, Pat Bouknight.
Visitation will be at the Bush River Memorial Mausoleum Chapel, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, on Monday, July 3, 2023, at 10 am The funeral service will follow at the same location at 11 am.
The family asks for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to the charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfuneralhomedutchfork.com for the Bouknight family.
