JAMES L. DESCHAMPS

James Levan DesChamps was born on July 14, 1934, in Pinewood, a son of the late Claude and Mamie James DesChamps. He was the eldest child of six siblings. He departed this life on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, in Florence.

Jim was a man of strong faith and a devoted follower of Christ. He trusted God’s will over his life as he often spoke of him ordering his steps. In his youth, he joined New Hope UME Church, yielding to the early training and example set by his parents and following in his parents footsteps. In New York, he attended Church of the Master Presbyterian Church. After relocating back to South Carolina, he rejoined New Hope UME Church, where he served in the following capacities: founder of the brotherhood ministry at New Hope, Sunday school teacher, member of the benevolent and Sunday school superintendent. Jim was a 33rd Degree Mason in Brooklyn, New York. He was an active member of the Manchester Alumni Association, where he also served as treasurer, until his death.

Jim graduated from Manchester High School in 1958. Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for four years and received an honorable discharge. After serving his tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force, he relocated to New York City. He then married the love of his life, Frances Green of Pinewood. To this union, they were blessed with four children. He retired as a truck driver from Consolidated Freightways after more than 30 years.

Jim leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted and loving children, Elaine DesChamps of New York, New York, Claudette (Shawn) Wilson of Old Bridge, New Jersey, Engler L. “Pop” DesChamps of Sumter and Tawana B. DesChamps of Sumter; one grandson, Darius Wilson; one sister, Ivory Dinkins of Monroe, New Jersey; two brothers, Johnny DesChamps and McArthur DesChamps of Sumter; one aunt, Ruby DesChamps of Bowie, Maryland; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Green DesChamps; his grandson, Sean DesChamps; his parents, Mamie James DesChamps and Claude L. DesChamps Sr.; and his siblings, Roosevelt DesChamps, Hattie Mae Erwin and Claude DesChamps Jr.

Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary.

Mr. DesChamps will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at New Hope UME Church, 19022 Panola Road, Pinewood, with Pastor Lawrence E. Myers Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, 315 Wendemere Drive, Sumter.

Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.

Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.