James Bessenger Obituary

BESSENGER, James JACKSONBORO - Mr. James Elmer "Bubba" Bessenger, husband of Marguerite Kiser Bessenger, died Sunday afternoon at his residence in Jacksonboro. He was 82. Mr. Bessenger was born May 31, 1926, in Barnwell, a son of the late James Shellie Bessenger and Pearline Black Bessenger. He was a graduate of Charleston High School, the United States Naval Air Corps School, the Charleston Naval Shipyard Apprentice School, and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Mr. Bessenger served in the United States Naval Air Corps during WWII, and later became employed with the Charleston Navy Yard. He was a former Magistrate in Jacksonboro and was a Special Deputy for Colleton County. Mr. Bessenger retired as a Lieutenant from the South Carolina Public Service Commission, and owned and operated Bessenger's Gulf Station in Jacksonboro for many years. An active member of Jacksonboro Baptist Church, he served as Church Treasurer, deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Church Trustee. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Jacksonboro Fire Department and served as its first fire chief. Surviving, in addition to his wife of 59 years, are one daughter, Delane B. Bivens of James Island, and two sisters, Doris B. Cook and his twin sister, Zelma B. Hickman, both of Jacksonboro. There are two grandchildren, Brooke D. Bivens of Jacksonboro and Shannon B. Gregg of Charleston; one great-grandchild, and several beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Mr. Bessenger's caregivers: Rosella Simmons, Verneaser Holmes, Deborah Green, Jonathan Bennett, and all of the other Hospice nurses. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Jacksonboro Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements by PARKER-RHODEN FUNERAL HOME, 117 Paul St., Walterboro, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jacksonboro Baptist Church Building Fund, or to Winyah Community Hospice Care. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.