James Cantey Obituary

James Willis Cantey, Jr., 79, died February 15, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

The son of James Willis Cantey and Nancy Moorer Cantey was born on May 18, 1946. Jim spent his boyhood years with his brothers, Joe and John, in and around his Forest Hills family home on Westminster Drive. This home held family gatherings and celebrations for over seventy five years.

Jim was a descendent of Teige Cantey who arrived in the Charleston area in 1670 from Barbados. Since then, members of the Cantey family, also named James Willis Cantey have served as distinguished soldiers and statesmen.

Jim attended Schnider School, Hand Junior High, and Dreher High School. He was an Eagle Scout, attending the Boy Scout Jamboree in Colorado. Jim served as President of the Esquire Club, the first of many leadership roles. Highschool sweethearts, Jim and Lucille danced at the Pawleys Island Pavilion. They lived in the time when automobiles were works of art and rock and roll began.

Jim attended the University of South Carolina (GO COCKS!) where he joined the Kappa Alpha Order, was elected Number 1, and forged lifelong friendships. He also spent time studying at the London School of Economics. He passed down his enduring love of Gamecock football to his children and grandchildren every year during football season.

After college, Jim enlisted in the United States Army, continuing the distinguished tradition of military service in the Cantey family. He served as lieutenant in the Vietnam War. Jim would remain a fervent patriot and supporter of U.S. Troops for the rest of his life. In 2013, Jim buzzed the Grand Strand in a vintage WWII aircraft as part of the Salute From the Shore flyover, honoring military veterans. It was noted at the time that "when Jim Cantey was steering, he fishtailed causing the plane to shake."

After military service, Jim returned to Columbia to begin a long career as a businessman. From commercial real estate to Columbia Outdoor Advertising, and including many varied business ventures, friends often joked that they weren't sure exactly what Jim Cantey did for a living, but whatever it was, he did it well.

Throughout his life, Jim served on numerous boards. In 1986 he joined the AAA Board of North and South Carolina, serving as Chairman twice. Friendships were formed crisscrossing both Carolinas, visiting numerous towns and cities, including Latta. Beginning in 1986, Jim formed a close bond with the Roper Personnel Services board. The Executive's Association of Greater Columbia became "a brotherhood," of likeminded business leaders, as he recalled recently. Serving as Chairman of the South Carolina Hall of Fame was a special honor for Jim. Jim would continue to give back to his alma mater throughout his life, serving on The University Development Foundation, the U.S.C. Business Partnership Foundation, and University Associates.

He was a lifelong member of Trinity Cathedral. He served as President of the Columbia Cotillion, The Centurion, and the Pine Tree Hunt Club. He enjoyed many years in The Towne Club, Columbia Kawanis, and Friday the 13th Group.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and a firm believer that you never schedule an event on the first weekend of dove season. He grew up joining cousins in Camden to hunt doves, duck, and his favorite, quail. He also loved fishing in any form – offshore, competing in the DeBordieu Classic, at the Whale-in, Lark Hill, or catching bream and bass at White Pond or with his grandchildren at Woodcreek.

Yet another group of friends rode motorcycles with Jim in the mountains of North Carolina and rallies in Florida, Myrtle Beach and Sturges, South Dakota.

Home videos attest to the camaraderie of friends on annual skiing trips to Vail.

Despite his busy and accomplished life, it was always Jim's family that mattered most. Vacations, holidays, and weekends with his three children and six grandchildren brought him immense joy and Jim's endless patience, humor, and kindness leave them with great memories. Large family gatherings at the Woodcreek lake house were a Thanksgiving tradition. Jim taught many to waterski there as he was a pro. Beach vacations at Pawleys and Litchfield, and mountain time at Cashiers, were family highlights that became the subject of Christmas cards each year. As much as Jim loved his family, he also loved his friends, whom he considered family and who likewise treated him as such, showering Jim with love and attention during his life, but also recently during his illness.

Jim is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Lucille Sligh Cantey, his three children James Willis Cantey III, Childs Cantey Thrasher (Ryan), Brooks Cantey Ferguson (Shaun), six grandchildren, Margaret Waring Cantey, James Willis Cantey IV, Alexander Cantey Thrasher, James Wilson Thrasher, Eliza Paige Ferguson, David Cantey Ferguson, his brothers Joe Moorer Cantey and John Childs Cantey (Kelly), his beloved nieces and nephews, and the hundreds he claimed as cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 21st, at 11:00 am at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Columbia, South Carolina, with reception to follow at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the USC-Business Partnership for the J. Willis Cantey Endowed Fellowship Fund (Account #036) and mailed to University of South Carolina Development, 1600 Hampton Street 7th Floor, Columbia, SC 29208 or to the charity of one's choice.