James E. Hyman

Dr. James E. (Jamie) Hyman fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith throughout his earthly life, and having entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, began his eternal life on June 1st of 2023. He left behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication that has enriched the lives of all who knew him.Jamie approached everything to which he committed himself with boundless energy, determination, and passion. He was, in the truest form, a renaissance man. Highest among the countless interests and devotions of his life was his beautiful family. His devoted sister, Janice Granger of Florence, SC helped care for him as a child and still cherishes her role in taking care of her little brother. His beloved wife, Susie, remains behind remembering with joy, gratitude and love the marriage and life they shared for over fifty-six years. He was confidant, coach, biggest fan, and safety net for daughters Julie (Tim) Mathias of Mt Pleasant, and Amy (Paul) Reynolds of Columbia, along with granddaughters Anna (Nico) Rittmeyer of Charleston, Callie (Jacob) Clausen of Goose Creek, grandson Tripp Reynolds of Columbia, and his spoiled canine buddy, Atticus. Jamie graduated from Pamplico High School in 1962. He attended the University of South Carolina and was proud to carry degrees through doctorate of Education .He found his true calling as an educator, teaching at Booker T. Washington High School 1971-1974, principalships at Alcolu Elementary (Manning), Delmae Elmentary(Florence) and West Florence High School.He served as Superintendent in Pamplico, Lake City and in Berkeley County Schools. He taught as an adjunct professor with the University of South Carolina. He reluctantly ended his career in education in 1997 due to mounting health disabilities. He was an advocate for teachers and students alike and served on many boards and committees.He received accolades for his commitment to the best educational environment possible for students and teachers. One of the greatest joys of his superintendency was the time he took to visit classrooms throughout the district to meet the students, encourage the teachers and keep himself in touch with the needs, and accomplishments of those with whom he worked. His community involvement was extensive, including volunteering as a Big Brother in in the Big Brothers Association, volunteering after his retirement to help at Greg Mathis Charter School in Charleston County. He served with Meals on Wheels and he was especially proud to serve as co-chair of the Ron McNair Committee after the Challenger Disaster in January of 1986 when he was superintendent in Lake City, SC.He worked with the Ron McNair Committee to raise funds and establish a monument in his memory. Jamie had many diverse interests. He loved to talk with those he met and he he never saw anyone as a stranger, rather as an old friend he had just met. He was an avid chef and willingly shared his culinary creations with family and friends. He had a consuming interest with ancestry research and would labor tirelessly to dig the truth from the history he explored. He loved Beach Music and dancing the Shag. Jamie was a fanatic devotee of Christmas - the larger, the louder, the shinier, the better! He was an exceptional athlete and excelled in baseball, basketball and football. He carried his love of sports into his adulthood by cheering on his beloved USC Gamecocks. Jamie’s deep Christian faith guided him his entire life. He served in various leadership and service positions throughout the years in churches of which he and his family were members. He and his wife are currently members of Summerville Presbyterian Church. He was a true follower of Jesus Christ and put his beliefs into action, caring for others in God’s name. Now that faith has found its reward, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your Lord" (Matthew 25:23) Memorials may be sent to Summerville Presbyterian, MUSC Foundation (18 Bee Street MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425. Please include Heart Transplant Program/Jamie Hyman in the memo section), or a charity of your choice.

James E. Hyman

August 18, 1944 - June 1, 2023