James Gadsden Obituary

Rev. James Solomon Gadsden, Sr. COLUMBIA, SC - Funeral Services for the Reverend James Solomon Gadsden will be held 1 PM Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Francis Burns United Methodist Church Columbia. The family will receive friends Friday, June 23, 2017, 6-8 PM at the Palmer Memorial Chapel, Columbia, SC, and the public may view Saturday from the noon hour until the time of service at the church. Rev. James Solomon Gadsden, Sr., affectionately known as Jim to many, was called home to his heavenly reward Monday, June 19, 2017, in Columbia. Jim, the ninth child born June 12, 1930, to the late William and Rosa Rollerson Gadsden, was a graduate of Boylan-Haven Mather Academy Class of 1950 in Camden, SC. Jim earned an A. B. degree from Claflin College (now University) in Orangeburg, SC; a Master of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA; and a Doctor of Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta. Licensed to preach in the Berkeley District as a young man in his late teens, Jim went on to serve numerous appointments in the United Methodist Church including Associate Editor of Youth Publications at the Board of Discipleship and United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, TN; Greenwood District Superintendent in Greenwood, SC; and the Conference Council Director of the SC Annual Conference; in addition to numerous congregational appointments. Jim was also an author and editor, and worked with numerous local and national organizations. Jim was a devoted husband to the former Thelma Curtis as well as a nurturing and loving father to four children, and a proud grandfather and loving brother. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Thelma and two sisters, Eloise Middleton and Alice Rosa Lee Perkins. He leaves to cherish precious memories his children: James Jr., Cynthia, Jessica, and Curtis; his granddaughter, Andrea; his siblings: Evelyn Williams, Matilda Gadsden, Martha (Warren) Gant, Estelle Sellers, and William Gadsden; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Additional information may be found at www.palmermemorialchapel.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston