James "Jim" Livingston

James Elvie “Jim” Livingston, born in Newberry County, SC March 7, 1934, departed this life on Friday, June 19, 2020. Jim was predeceased by a brother, Murray, two half-sisters, Helen McCormick and Evelyn Boozer; four half-brothers, J. W. Roton, Joseph Roton, William Roton Matthews and Earnest Roton Black. Jim was descended from American Revolution Patriots who fought for our free nation in what is now Newberry County. His father, William Thaddeus Livingston, was the contractor for the Newberry Hospital, built in 1925. Jim's mother was Mary Magdeline (Maggie Mae) Fulmer Roton Livingston.

Jim was a computer specialist-analyst with over 30 years’ experience with large scale digital computers. He was employed by the SC Tax Commission, NCR in New York City and Los Angeles, and a final career of 15 years with the US Department of Defense. While with DOD, he also served as an individual and class action EEOC leader and Chair of Affirmative Action Committee.

Never married, Jim had numerous interests and volunteer activities as well as appointed and elected positions. He was a charter member of the SC Archaeological Society and a member of the San Diego Actors Alliance where he performed professionally as well as with community theaters. He was a life member for Ritz Theater presentations of the Newberry Community Players. He sang with RSVP seniors at nursing homes in Newberry and Saluda Counties and was Chairman of the Saluda County Libertarian party. Jim also published many newspaper opinion columns, as well as three books, which included much of his poetry. He was a charter member of the Sons of American Revolution of Laurens and Newberry Counties and was the actual son of a Spanish American War Soldier. Jim was a member of San Diego Chapter of the 1812 BPOE (Elks), the Newberry and Saluda County Historical Societies, and was a life member of the Newberry Friends of the Library. He also served hospital ADRU patients in Sand Diego and was a volunteer member to SC Suicide Hot Line and the central office of the SC AA, enjoying over 35 years of sobriety. Jim also served as a volunteer with Palmetto Health Hospice, and as an Ambassador tour guide for Newberry Opera House for almost 7 years.

Of greatest importance to him, Jim was an active member of the Newberry, SC Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, graveside services will be conducted at Silverstreet Lutheran Church Cemetery at 3:00 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2020 by Bishop Baron R. Buzhardt. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later day.