James Luther McGuire Jr.

James “Jim” Luther McGuire, Jr., 86, of Columbia, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013. Born September 30, 1927, in McDowell County, WV, he was the son of the late James L. McGuire, Sr. and Anna Lee Reed McGuire. During the Korean conflict, Mr. McGuire served in the U. S. Army, where he was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He retired from the U. S. Army after 23 years of service. Following his military retirement, Mr. McGuire worked in civil service for 20 years. Prior to his declining health, Jim was a dedicated weekly volunteer for many years with the Columbia Metro Baptist Food Pantry. A longtime member of the Ft. Jackson Golf Club, Mr. McGuire played golf almost daily while his health permitted and took great pride in his two lifetime holes-in-one. He was also an avid Gamecock football fan. Survivors include his devoted wife of almost 40 years, Doris O. McGuire; his son, James L. McGuire, III, and his wife, Carolyn, of Ridgeway, SC; his daughter, Janice D. Thomas, of Columbia, SC; his stepson, Thomas R. “Randy” Owens, of Prosperity, SC; and his stepdaughter, Jan O. Scharstein and her husband, Greg, of Lexington, SC. Mr. McGuire is also survived by his grandchildren and their spouses: Tobi (Kris) Merschat of Memphis, TN; Tommy (Amanda) Owens of Myrtle Beach, SC; and the Reverend Justin (Missy) C. McGuire of Oxford, MS. Additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchildren: Mary Catherine Merschat of Memphis; Willow, Scout and Sunny Hannah Owens of Myrtle Beach; Peyton, Asher, Colin and Ransom McGuire of Oxford. Mr. McGuire was preceded in death by his sisters Margaret Fillers, Louise Pierce, and Ruth Harmon; he was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Visitation will take place at North Trenholm Baptist Church at noon on Monday, December 9, 2013, with the funeral service immediately following at 1:00pm. The Reverends Joe Copeland and Justin C. McGuire will officiate. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Woody Howle Sunday School Class. Burial with full military honors will take place at 2:00pm at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Trenholm Baptist Church, 6515 N. Trenholm Rd., Columbia, SC 29206. The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of Rice Estate for their love and support over the past 6 years, especially during Jim’s long illness.

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James Luther McGuire Jr.

September 30, 1927 - December 4, 2013