James "Jimmy" Cleveland Long, Jr., 64, of Columbia, died on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Born in Pinehurst, NC, on November 21, 1959, he was the son of Rev. James (Jim) Cleveland Long, Sr., and Patricia (Pat) Greene Long. Jimmy was employed for nearly 20 years by American Materials, Inc., Macon, Ga. He graduated from Needham Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC., where he played quarterback for the football team. He loved all sports, especially watching car races and anything related to the NC State Wolfpack and the USC Gamecocks.

Following his high school graduation, he continued his education at Louisburg College and Gardener-Webb University. Though occasionally quirky, Jimmy always offered a genuine smile with great stories and received much joy in helping others. He was kind-hearted, funny, and in his earlier days, enjoyed working with youth at sport camps and events. In his spare time, he loved being with his family for reunions, weddings, and special occasions.

Jimmy grew up in a Christian family, and attended Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, SC; he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Raleigh, NC; Citadel Square Baptist Church, Charleston, SC; and Boulevard Baptist Church, Anderson, SC.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sisters, Debra "Debbie" Long Fitzgerald (Dr. Steven E. Fitzgerald); Christie Long Wagers (Richard Infinger), and Laurie Long Felkel; 12 nieces and nephews; seven great-nieces and nephews; an uncle, Richard Greene (Wanda); as well as a host of loving cousins.

The service for Mr. Long will be held at 3 o'clock on Friday, June 28th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 2 o'clock at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 405 Greenlawn Dr., Columbia, SC 29209, and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.