James Settle Obituary

James Clarence Settle, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, educator, and man of unwavering faith, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on April 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by service, leadership, and lasting impact. He was born on April 3, 1938, in Inman, South Carolina, to Clarence Howell Settle and Idellis Ballew Settle. During World War II, his family relocated to Charleston, where the roots of his lifelong commitment to faith, community, and mentorship were firmly planted.

Jim graduated from Rivers High School in 1956 before attending Furman University, where he earned his undergraduate degree. It was there he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Kay "Betty Kay" Massie. The two were married in 1960 in Falls Church, Virginia, beginning a marriage of more than 65 years marked by deep devotion, partnership, and shared purpose. He was on active duty with the US Army, as an Officer for 6 months in 1961, continuing his service in the Army Reserves for 7 1/2 years. He later earned his graduate degree from Florida State University.

He began his coaching career at T.L. Hanna High School in Anderson, South Carolina, from 1961 to 1965. In 1965, Jim was selected as a member of the founding faculty of the Baptist College at Charleston-now Charleston Southern University-where he would serve faithfully for 39 years.

As a professor of Physical Education and Kinesiology and Head Coach of Track and Field, Jim built one of the most respected programs in the Southeast. Over the course of his distinguished career, he coached championship teams, developed numerous All-Americans, and mentored an Olympic silver medalist. His influence extended far beyond the track, shaping the character, discipline, and lives of countless student-athletes.

His contributions were widely recognized. In 1990, he was inducted into the Baptist College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2001, Charleston Southern University honored his legacy by co-naming the university's track facility in his honor. In 2005, he was inducted into the NCAA Big South Conference Hall of Fame and named Big South Conference Men's Cross Country Coach of the Year.

Even after retiring from Charleston Southern in 2004, Jim's passion for coaching never faded. He continued to invest in young athletes as a coach at Goose Creek High School, where he was named Region 7AAAA Boys Track Coach of the Year in 2008, and later served in volunteer coaching roles throughout the community.

A man deeply rooted in faith, Jim was a longtime member of Summerville Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon for many years. He was a long-time member of the Coastal Carolina Camellia Society-he found great joy in cultivating camellias-a passion that traced back to his childhood home, where rows of flowering bushes first sparked his love for the craft. Many of his award-winning blooms were grown from clippings of those original plants, reflecting his lifelong belief in honoring one's roots and carrying forward a meaningful legacy.

Jim Settle's life was a testament to steady leadership, quiet excellence, and faithful service. Through his work as an educator, coach, mentor, and patriarch, he shaped generations and strengthened the communities around him. His legacy lives on not only in the records he set or honors he received, but in the countless lives he influenced and the values he instilled.

He was the cornerstone of his family-a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather known as "Papa," and adored great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Massie Settle; his four children, J. Todd Settle (Jay), Tim Settle (Rumi), Ross Settle (Christy), and Paige Settle Jones (Tim); five grandchildren, Jordyn, Jacob, Ansley, Mia Nicole, and Trenton; and one great-grandson, Hudson.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at James A. Dyal Funeral Home 303 S. Main Street Summerville, SC.

Celebration of life service will be Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 2:00 PM until the hour of service at 3:00 PM at Summerville Baptist Church, 417 Central Avenue Summerville Sc 29483.