Mr. James Lever "Jim" Jeffcoat, 69, of Blythewood, went to his heavenly home Monday, July 7, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born August 5, 1944 in Columbia, he was a son of the late James Earl Jeffcoat and Ferol Lever Jeffcoat Taylor. Jim grew up helping his grandfather on his farm in Cedar Creek, and this experience, combined with his wife's passion for gardening, led to the creation of their beautiful world renowned garden and successful business, Singing Oakes Garden. They were active members of the American Hemerocallis Society and were awarded many regional and national awards, most recently the highest honor for meritorious service, The Helen Field Fischer Service Award and The Steve Moldovan Mentoring Award. They were also members of The American Iris Society. Jim was an accomplished woodworker and his craftsmanship is evident throughout the home and garden.

Jim was a member of the Blythewood Masonic Lodge. He was employed by the US Postal Service for 34 years, and served as Postmaster at the Blythewood Post Office for 29 years until his retirement October 1999. He so enjoyed his connection with the community through his service as Postmaster. Jim was a member of Sandy Level Baptist Church, having served faithfully as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 41 years, Peggy Blume Norton Jeffcoat; daughters, Gayle Norton George, Judith Norton Brown (Col. Scott Brown, Ret.), Tonya Jeffcoat Trivett (Kevin); a son, Alex Jeffcoat; grandchildren, Michelle Zeigler (Blair), Paige Brown, Stephan Jeffcoat; great grandchildren, Colton and Arrington Zeigler; and a sister, Ann Jeffcoat McMahon. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, David Jeffcoat.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held 11 o'clock, Saturday, July 12th, at Sandy Level Baptist Church, 408 Blythewood Rd, Blythewood, with The Rev. Chris Hanley and The Rev. Fran Elrod officiating. The family will greet friends from 5 until 8 o'clock, Friday evening, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Dr., Columbia. Memorials may be made to Sandy Level Baptist Church Music Ministry, PO Box 518., Blythewood, SC 29016, or The American Hemerocallis Society, William E. Monroe Endowment Fund, c/o Kathleen Schloeder, 250l St. John Place, Alexandria, VA 22311.

The family is most grateful to the staff of South Carolina Oncology Associates, Dr. Bryan Willard of Carolina Urology Partners, Cheryl Evans of Intramed and most especially his dedicated nurses, Michelle and Blair Zeigler, granddaughter and grandson, who cared for him throughout his brave battle with cancer. We also appreciate the love and care of his Sunday School classmates.