James Tennent Hane Jr.

James Tennent Hane, Jr., of Columbia, SC, and Saluda, NC, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Bell Hane; his children, James Tennent Hane III, Margaret Hane Murphy, and John Bell Hane and his wife Leyden; and his beloved grandchildren, Henry James Unger, John (Jack) Caldwell Hane, Frances Cauthen Hane, and Capers Elliott Murphy, all of Columbia. He is also survived by his sister, Jenny Hane of Mt. Pleasant, SC; her husband, Julian Wiles; and their children, Marianna and Nicholas. He was predeceased by his sister, Marianna Hane.

The family is deeply grateful to the Trauma and ICU healthcare team at Prisma Health Richland Hospital for their exceptional care, compassion, and unwavering support in caring for Jim.

Born June 27, 1943, Jim grew up in Fort Motte, SC, attended St. Matthews High School, and graduated from Clemson University in 1965 with a BA in Economics. He remained an enthusiastic Clemson supporter throughout his life. After graduating, he completed training to become a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

He began his career at SC National Bank and later moved to Florence, SC, after accepting a sales position with Xerox Corporation. After the birth of his daughter Margaret, the family returned to Columbia, where Jim joined McTeer Realty.

He was driven by a desire to build something of his own and create opportunities for others, and started his own business in the mid-1970s. From humble beginnings—a desk and telephone in the corner of D.S. (“Bunk”) Price’s banana warehouse—he built a thriving office equipment company, the success of which reflected his commitment and service to his clients. He later designed his own office building on Bluff Road, not far from those early beginnings; it received the 1983 Office Building of the Year award. The business continued to grow and was eventually acquired by a Fortune 500 company. Disappointed in the level of service his former customers were receiving, Jim returned to his building as soon as his noncompete agreement expired and established OfficePro, which flourished until his retirement. He also opened a second location in Greenville. When asked about the secret to his success, he was quick to credit his employees, calling them “the heart of the business.”

Jim was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the Columbia Cotillion Club, the Executives Association of Greater Columbia, Forest Lake Club, and the Sons of the American Revolution, where he recently served as president of the Lt. Col. Thomas Taylor Chapter. He also served on the Brennen Elementary School Improvement Council and represented the interests of South Carolina small businesses as a congressional delegate.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, April 9, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the home of John and Leyden Hane, 4500 Nandina Drive, Columbia, SC 29206. A service in Jim’s honor will be held on Friday, April 10, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Interment will follow at approximately 3:30 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Parish Church, 1164 Fort Motte Road, Fort Motte, SC 29135. Family and friends are invited to share stories and refreshments afterward at the Wiles Pond House, 1184 McCord’s Ferry Road, Fort Motte, SC 29135.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation in honor of James T. Hane, Jr. to the ClemsonLIFE program, which supports postsecondary education for students with intellectual disabilities. Gifts can be made at https://iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving? by entering ClemsonLIFE in the search field.