James Mallory Obituary

James Mallory N. CHARLESTON - James Mallory was born in Lonoke, Arkansas, to Henry Mallory and Suzie Birkhead Mallory on February 25, 1931. Jim and his older brother, Henry (Barbara) grew up in humble circumstances. His two other siblings, Dr. Douglas Wilson and Della Wilson Taylor, were born within 11 years to their mother Suzie and her second husband, Orville Wilson. Jim and Henry were uprooted often in their early years and found themselves in different homes. Jim was taken at 13 years by his father, Henry, for one year. Both boys often stayed with their Aunt Elna and Aunt Mildred during their growing up years. Jim finally joined up with two friends, and the three young teenagers hitch-hiked to the Franciscan School for Boys in Searcy, Arkansas. Jim frequently referred to his experience there as "idyllic". As he entered high school, he matriculated to St. Leo's Prep School for Boys. He led an active existence in all the sports offered. Immediately upon graduation, he married his high school girlfriend, Edna Williams. They raised their son, James Mallory, Jr., "Skipper" and his friend Wayne Crawford, of whom Jim said, "Wayne adopted me". The boys enjoyed their boy scout experience, especially camping under the leadership of "Dad"/"Pop". Jim liked to share stories of the boys in the troop and their antics. A third child, daughter, Bonita (Bunny), was added to the family in 1957 when she was three days old. Bunny was the apple of her father's eye, and they shared many interests, especially horseback riding. Jim entered the Marine Corp, where he served for four years. This was one of his most highly favored achievements, and he was saddened when he had to leave to care for his family in lieu of serving his country with his battalion. Jim was employed at American Can Company but shortly after he decided to go to college and entered Memphis State College to earn his bachelor's degree in business. Later, he entered Appalachian State College to obtain his master's degree in counseling. Ultimately, he completed his doctoral degree at the University of South Carolina in Education in 1978. During his graduate studies, he was employed within the technical college system in both North Carolina and South Carolina. He was ultimately employed at Trident Technical College as the dean of student affairs. During his tenure, he served as President of the South Carolina College Personnel Association in 1983-84. Later, he offered his skills as well in two other technical programs in South Carolina. During his employment period in Orangeburg District 5 School System, he served as chairman of the South Carolina Alliance of Tech Prep Consortia from 1993 to 1994. He retired from his role in this program in 1995. Following his short period of retirement, he returned to work at South Carolina State University in a nursing grant for ten years. He worked with Dr. Sylvia Whiting and they made great strides in their efforts with young students within the Orangeburg District 5 school system. After Dr. Mallory's marriage to Dr. Sylvia Whiting in 2014, the couple continued their commitment to education as volunteers at the Clayhill Elementary School in Ridgeville, South Carolina, in the 2017-18 school year. In addition, Dr. Mallory offered his knowledge and interest in health as a public member on the South Carolina LLR State Board of Nursing. His survivors include his wife, Dr. Sylvia Whiting Mallory; Skipper (Teresa), Wayne (Diane), and Bonita; grandson, James Mallory III, Scott Bailey; granddaughter, Amy Whitfield (Charlie), and Megan Miller (Brion). He leaves behind six great-grandchildren. He was a very active member of Dorchester Presbyterian Church as a deacon, elder, and coordinator of their memorial garden. He served as president of the Summerville Oakbrook Rotary Club in Summerville from 1988-1999. He was a member of Summerville Preservation Society, and a volunteer for the Summerville Orchestra fundraising committee as treasurer. After his marriage, he and his wife served on the board in the Moncks Corner Church of the Nazarene. The family wishes to thank Lutheran Hospice staff, Rita, R.N., Christine, MSW, and Todd, Chaplain for their devoted service throughout Jim's illness during the past year and to In-Home service managers and caretakers too many to name, but without whom we could not have made it. Special recognition goes to Susan,Cooper, and Lisa for their outstanding abilities and kindness. A memorial service will be held in his honor, celebrating his exemplary life as a fine gentleman, a patriot, a boy scout leader, and a deacon and elder on April 21 at 2pm at the James A. Dyal Funeral Home in Summerville, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any of the following: Church of the Nazarene; 217 Bonnoitt St., Moncks Corner, SC 29461 Dorchester Presbyterian Church; 10290 Dorchester Rd., Summerville. SC 29485 Federal Center of the Blind of South Carolina; 119 S Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205 Tunnels to Towers Foundation; 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Friday, April 21, 2023. at 2 o'clock at James A. Dyal Funeral Home, 303 S. Main St., Summerville, SC. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston