James Alonzo Risher, Jr was born in Hampton, South Carolina on June 18, 1954 to James Risher, Sr and the late Mary Ann Gooding Risher. James, also known as “Jimmy”, received his education in public schools of Hampton County, (Hampton School District Two), where he was a 1972 graduate of Estill High School. He furthered his education at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie in Allendale, South Carolina (1972-1974) and later at the University of South Carolina (Columbia Campus), Columbia, South Carolina (1974-1976).
James married, Carolyn Best, the love of his life in September 1983. Three beautiful children were born to this union. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Stacey Latisha Risher.
James was a dedicated and faithful member of St. Peter AME Church in Gifford, SC. He served as Class Leader, Trustee, Assistant Church School Superintendent, Sons of Allen, Choir member, Lay Member and Church school teacher. James was first employed with Scotsman Ice Systems, Fairfax, South Carolina (1980-1987). In 1988, he became a maintenance technician for Savannah River Site until his retirement in 2015. Jimmy served with Hampton District Two School Board in 2004, and was also a member of the Gifford Lodge #359, Gifford, SC for twenty years..
On Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina, our Heavenly Father called James home from his labour to reward.
James leaves to cherish fond memories: his wonderful wife of 37 years, Carolyn Risher; two daughters, Jacole Simmons, Varnville, SC and Tiffney (Rashad) Brantley, Hampton, SC; one son, Jamian Risher (Rachel), Varnville, SC; a loving father, Mr. James Risher, Sr, Gifford, SC; three brothers, Reginald (Marie) Risher and Leonard (Vicki) Risher, both of Gifford, SC and Dennis Risher, Columbia, SC; six sister-in-laws, Dottie Ginn (Ronnie) Jackson, Allendale, SC, Vivian (Alvin) Murdaugh, Jacquelyn Lee, and Veronica Best, all of Gifford, SC, Alice Tolan of Washington, DC and Lizzie Mae Best of Chester, PA; four brothers-in-law, Willie Best, Estll, SC, Kenneth Best, Henry Best and Dwayne Best, all of Gifford, SC; an uncle, John Henry Gooding, Hampton, SC; four aunts, Lillie Dial and Rosemary Cox, both of Fort Worth, TX, Dorothy Risher, Brooklyn, NY and Thelma Johnson, Atlanta, GA; twelve grandchildren, one raised in the home, Brennen Toure Risher, Valdosta, GA; a special niece, Perstephine Gardner, Varnville, SC; an adopted grandson, Clayton Johnson Jr, Luray, SC; two special friends, Reverend Carl Williams, Brunson, SC and Tommy Ritter, Allendale, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
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