James A. "Jimmy" Longshore

James Alan “Jimmy” Longshore, 86, of Newberry, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at his home.

Born on November 4, 1937, he was a son of the late Frank Alan and Vera Long Longshore.   Jimmy graduated from Bush River High School and then received his bachelors degree from Newberry College and his masters degree from Furman University. He also received a education specialist degree from Winthrop College.

Jimmy retired from Laurens County School District 56 after 43 years of service.  He also retired after 22 years as a Major with the South Carolina National Guard. He was a member of Smyrna Presbyterian Church and a former member of the Joanna Lions Club and the Silverstreet Young Farmers.

As long as his health permitted he enjoyed farming, raising beef cattle and working in his garden.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mamie West Longshore; children, Sherrie L. Wilson, James Alan Longshore, Jr. and David (Shannon) Longshore; grandchildren, Emily (Canton) Riber, Ashton (Nick) Zarnowski, Kenley Longshore and Bryson Longshore; great-grandchildren, Wesley and Leila Riber and Waylon and Charlie Zarnowski; sister-in-law, Shirley Longshore and a number of nieces and nephews.

Jimmy was predeceased by a brother, Henry “Sonny” Longshore.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Smyrna Presbyterian Church Cemetery by the Rev. Dan Ratchford.  The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to Smyrna Presbyterian Church, 32 Smyrna Road, Newberry, SC 29108 or to the charity of one's choice.

Active pallbearers will be Bryson Longshore, Glenn Longshore, Terry Longshore, Ronnie Berry, Rufus Berry and Eddie Wilson.

The family wishes to thank Julie Ammons and Bernardo Hospice with special thanks to Kelly Jo, Breanna, Sandra.

Heaven got sweeter last night! Mr. Longshore was my Principal at Joanna-Woodson Elementary. Years later he hired me as a teacher at Joanna-Woodson. He talked to me about going into education administration one day and maybe I could follow him as Principal. Things didn’t work out that way. When God was ready, He allowed me to be Principal at Joanna-Woodson Elementary and occupy the office that Mr. Longshore once did. He was a loving man and a mentor to me. He would always provide me with nuggets of wisdom to help me be successful. He loved the children, as did I and still do. He loved me and I loved him. He made an impact on my life and for that I will forever be grateful! I’m sure the food in heaven is as good as the food in the cafeteria at school, which he loved, and I hope that they have peaches for him everyday. Love you my friend! Enjoy your eternal reward!  Eddie Marshall