James B. Near, Jr. N. CHARLESTON - Lt. Col. James B. Near, Jr., Ret-USAF, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 3, 2020. He was previously employed at The Citadel in the Physics Department. Prior to teaching he was the Operating Principal for Keller Williams Charleston. Lt. Col. Near spent 20 years in the USAF working on advanced projects and weather systems. He was a crew member of the Typhoon Chasers and got his advanced degree in Atmospheric Science from NCSU with his undergraduate degree in Physics from The Citadel. He was active with St. Andrews Church and was an active swimmer with the Palmetto Masters Swim Team. Mr. Near is preceded in death by his parents, James B. Near, Sr. and Susan B. Near, of New York. He is survived by three children, James B. Near, III, of Burbank, CA; Hilary W. Near, of Charleston, SC; and Susan E. Oltmann, her husband Gregg Oltmann, their two children, Shelby & Hunter, and two great-grandchildren, of James Island, SC; two siblings, Susan K. Near, of Portland, Ore. and her life partner Diana Watson; Jean N. Rouse her husband, Charles W. Rouse Jr., and their daughter Katie Sigler and her husband Chad Sigler and their two children Bennett and Harrison, of The Woodlands, TX. A public memorial service will be held in the Summerall Chapel at The Citadel on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Andrew's Church, 440 Whilden St., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 or Hollings Cancer Center, 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425. The Charleston Cremation Center and Funeral Home and St. Andrews Church are in charge of the arrangements. https://www.charlestoncremationcenter.com/ https://www.standrews.church/. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Mar. 7 to Mar. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Near

Sponsored by Charleston Cremation Center and Funeral Home - Charleston.

15 Entries

Louis Riva

February 26, 2025

On this upcoming 5 year anniversary of his passing, still fondly remembering Jim (Radar). - Louis Riva, El Cid '77, BS Physics

Louis Riva

February 26, 2021

I cannot believe it is now nearly a year since we lost Jim. What a sad reminder. Radar was so smart and I was so dumb in all those physics classes. To a good and successful life, but cut short - Louis Riva, Citadel '77, BS physics

Kimberly (Near)

April 1, 2020

I still cant believe you are gone. God wasnt supposed to need you so soon. Thank you for our journey together and our 3 beautiful children. We love and miss you!

March 16, 2020

Susan, James, Hillary and family,

We were sad to hear the news of Jim's passing. He left a wonderful Legacy for his family and all who have known him with the love of his Country and humanity and will be missed by many. May the wonderful memories bring you comfort at this difficult time. And, knowing there's one more Angel looking over his family.

Glenda & Billy Oltmann
James Island, SC

Jan Truesdale

March 16, 2020

Jim was such a God-loving man. How he lived his life was an example and encouragement for all of us. My privilege to know him. He will be greatly missed.

Bob Minasian

March 15, 2020

Jim will be missed. He was a great classmate. We both were in Echo Company all 4 years. I can remember hearing upper class men getting on Jim during parades about his bouncing up and down while marching in parades. Our sympathies go out to his family.

Louis Riva

March 13, 2020

My deepest sympathy. I too was one of the eight physics majors in the Class of '77 (front right in Mosh's posted picture). I was a horrible physics student. Radar was such a happy active upbeat and smart person. He was one of three of us who roomed together in an apartment for over a year in Raleigh when we went to NC State after graduating. What adventures we had. Then off we went our separate ways after being together 1973-78. Yet it seems like just a few years ago. Jim lived a great life from what I hear. Thanks for the memories in our early years. Lou Riva

George Mosho

March 12, 2020

As one of the eight physics majors in the Class of '77, I can readily say that I would never have made it through all the hard work and long study periods without Jim's easy-going craziness and down-to-Earth good sense. Radar, I am extremely fortunate to have been your friend. Mosh

The Class of '77 Physics Bunch

George Mosho

March 12, 2020

Patrick Briggs

March 9, 2020

Jim, words fail. You were not quite young enough to have been my student, but I will always cherish the memory of you as a colleague.

Barbara Boatwright

March 9, 2020

Jim was a lovely human being and a man of great integrity. My deep sympathy and prayers are with his family.

Amy Flanagan

March 8, 2020

Jim was my mentor at Keller Williams and a wonderful encourager of people. We went on several mission trips together including India and Burundi, Africa. He was kind and always true to himself. Im saddened by his passing and know he is happy in the presence of our Lord Jesus. Praying for peace for his family, especially his son James and all our KW friends.

Cheryl LeGrand

March 8, 2020

I was very saddened to learn of Jim's passing this morning. I will miss exchanging God's Peace with Him at church. He was a bright light and wonderful person. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and friends. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. " Matthew 5:4

Thea Taylor

March 8, 2020

Susan, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Cheryll Woods-Flowers

March 8, 2020

I was so very sorry to read this morning of Jims passing. What an incredible caring person he was...always a gentleman...always ready to do for others. God bless his family.

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