Charles James (Jim) Easler, Jr. lived as he died, courageously and peacefully, at the age of 91. He died of natural causes with family by his side.
Agraveside burial service with honors will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC, on All Saints Day, Sunday, November 1 at 12:30 pm.
Devoted son, father, grandfather, soldier, teacher, volunteer, and good friend top the long list of this most humble and exceptional man’s ribbons, medals, and titles: Star of the West (The Citadel); Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and Bronze Star (Korean War 1952-1953); Army, Air Force, and Joint Services Commendation Medals; the Meritorious Service Medal with OLC; Lt. Colonel (United States Army); Master’s in Education (Furman); History Teacher, Assistant Principal, Teacher of the Year and PA Announcer for soccer, football and basketball a.k.a. “Voice of the Generals” (Wade Hampton High School); literacy and food bank volunteer (United Ministries); church youth group leader; 25-year teacher of the regular Sunday Aldersgate Class (St. Matthews United Methodist Church); and in recent years as punctual a visitor at Presbyterian Northeast in Columbia as he was a 7 p.m. Canasta player (The Waterford, Columbia).
Born December 15,1928 in Florence, SC, Jim’s parents were Charles James Easler of Columbia, SC and Aileene Jeanette Vaughn of Sebree, KY. Jim lived in Florence, Charleston, and Greenville as a young child, before spending most of his growing up years in Miami, FL.
At his mother’s insistence, Jim came back to SC to attend The Citadel, The Military College of SC, graduating with the Class of 1951. He was a Cadet officer, Drum Major of the Regimental Band, and winner of the 1950 “Star of the West Medal” awarded for “best-drilled cadet.” Jim and Will kept in frequent touch with Citadel friends, especially his mates from the band.
Army service included Infantry, the Counter Intelligence Corp, and the Air Defense Artillery. He had two over-seas assignments that took him away from his family: Adviser to The Saudi Arabian Air Defense School, in 1965 and 1970. But mostly, he had his young family in tow to such exotic places as Honolulu and Monterey (Defense Language Institute, Arabic); Oklahoma, El Paso, TX (twice) and Colorado Springs, CO (twice); returning South to Albany, GA, Montgomery, AL, finally retiring in Hampton, VA 1972.
Married for 56 years to (and pre-deceased by) his Columbia, SC sweetheart, Willie Belle Dukes Easler of Greeleyville, SC—by the time they had settled back into civilian life in Greenville—the couple could count setting up home in 10 US cities. Jim and Will returned to South Carolina with two children: Charles James (Jaimey) Easler, III (born in Honolulu, HI) and Michael Evans Easler (born in Colorado Springs, Co).
Jim is survived by Jaimey and his wife Katharine, who live near Chapel Hill, NC. And Michael, his wife Charlotte, and their children Evans and Karis, who live in Columbia, SC.
Jim will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who enjoyed his endless sense of adventure, company together for a good meal or quiet nights at home with the grandkids and a good movie. Jim was always ready to go.∼Born in Florence, South Carolina and son of Charles J. Easler, Sr. and Aileene Jeanette (Vaughn) Easler. He grew up in Florence, Greenville and Charleston, SC as well as Miami, Florida.
The Citadel Class of 1951 where he served as Drum Major of the Regimental Band and won the Star of the West Medal as best drilled cadet. Commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army he was a combat veteran of the Korean War earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge; he later had service in both the Military Intelligence and Air Defense Artillery branches and his posts included Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, California and as an advisor to the Air Defense School in Saudi Arabia. His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the Army, Air Force and Joint Service Commendation Medals.
After his retirement in 1972 he embarked on a second career as a History Teacher and Assistant Principal at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, earning a Masters Degree in Education from Furman University and being named Teacher of the Year along with serving as the longtime PA announcer for the soccer, football and basketball teams. He was also a youth group leader and bible class teacher at Saint Mathews United Methodist Church.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years years, Willie Belle (Dukes) Easler of Greeleyville, SC; he is survived by son Jaimey and daughter in law Katherine of Chapel Hill, NC; son Michael and daughter in law Katherine of Columbia, SC and 2 grandchildren.
Agraveside burial service with honors will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC, on All Saints Day, Sunday, November 1 at 12:30 pm.
Devoted son, father, grandfather, soldier, teacher, volunteer, and good friend top the long list of this most humble and exceptional man’s ribbons, medals, and titles: Star of the West (The Citadel); Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and Bronze Star (Korean War 1952-1953); Army, Air Force, and Joint Services Commendation Medals; the Meritorious Service Medal with OLC; Lt. Colonel (United States Army); Master’s in Education (Furman); History Teacher, Assistant Principal, Teacher of the Year and PA Announcer for soccer, football and basketball a.k.a. “Voice of the Generals” (Wade Hampton High School); literacy and food bank volunteer (United Ministries); church youth group leader; 25-year teacher of the regular Sunday Aldersgate Class (St. Matthews United Methodist Church); and in recent years as punctual a visitor at Presbyterian Northeast in Columbia as he was a 7 p.m. Canasta player (The Waterford, Columbia).
Born December 15,1928 in Florence, SC, Jim’s parents were Charles James Easler of Columbia, SC and Aileene Jeanette Vaughn of Sebree, KY. Jim lived in Florence, Charleston, and Greenville as a young child, before spending most of his growing up years in Miami, FL.
At his mother’s insistence, Jim came back to SC to attend The Citadel, The Military College of SC, graduating with the Class of 1951. He was a Cadet officer, Drum Major of the Regimental Band, and winner of the 1950 “Star of the West Medal” awarded for “best-drilled cadet.” Jim and Will kept in frequent touch with Citadel friends, especially his mates from the band.
Army service included Infantry, the Counter Intelligence Corp, and the Air Defense Artillery. He had two over-seas assignments that took him away from his family: Adviser to The Saudi Arabian Air Defense School, in 1965 and 1970. But mostly, he had his young family in tow to such exotic places as Honolulu and Monterey (Defense Language Institute, Arabic); Oklahoma, El Paso, TX (twice) and Colorado Springs, CO (twice); returning South to Albany, GA, Montgomery, AL, finally retiring in Hampton, VA 1972.
Married for 56 years to (and pre-deceased by) his Columbia, SC sweetheart, Willie Belle Dukes Easler of Greeleyville, SC—by the time they had settled back into civilian life in Greenville—the couple could count setting up home in 10 US cities. Jim and Will returned to South Carolina with two children: Charles James (Jaimey) Easler, III (born in Honolulu, HI) and Michael Evans Easler (born in Colorado Springs, Co).
Jim is survived by Jaimey and his wife Katharine, who live near Chapel Hill, NC. And Michael, his wife Charlotte, and their children Evans and Karis, who live in Columbia, SC.
Jim will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who enjoyed his endless sense of adventure, company together for a good meal or quiet nights at home with the grandkids and a good movie. Jim was always ready to go.∼Born in Florence, South Carolina and son of Charles J. Easler, Sr. and Aileene Jeanette (Vaughn) Easler. He grew up in Florence, Greenville and Charleston, SC as well as Miami, Florida.
The Citadel Class of 1951 where he served as Drum Major of the Regimental Band and won the Star of the West Medal as best drilled cadet. Commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army he was a combat veteran of the Korean War earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge; he later had service in both the Military Intelligence and Air Defense Artillery branches and his posts included Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, California and as an advisor to the Air Defense School in Saudi Arabia. His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the Army, Air Force and Joint Service Commendation Medals.
After his retirement in 1972 he embarked on a second career as a History Teacher and Assistant Principal at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, earning a Masters Degree in Education from Furman University and being named Teacher of the Year along with serving as the longtime PA announcer for the soccer, football and basketball teams. He was also a youth group leader and bible class teacher at Saint Mathews United Methodist Church.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years years, Willie Belle (Dukes) Easler of Greeleyville, SC; he is survived by son Jaimey and daughter in law Katherine of Chapel Hill, NC; son Michael and daughter in law Katherine of Columbia, SC and 2 grandchildren.
Charles James (Jim) Easler, Jr. lived as he died, courageously and peacefully, at the age of 91. He died of natural causes with family by his side.
Agraveside burial service with honors will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC, on All Saints Day, Sunday, November 1 at 12:30 pm.
Devoted son, father, grandfather, soldier, teacher, volunteer, and good friend top the long list of this most humble and exceptional man’s ribbons, medals, and titles: Star of the West (The Citadel); Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and Bronze Star (Korean War 1952-1953); Army, Air Force, and Joint Services Commendation Medals; the Meritorious Service Medal with OLC; Lt. Colonel (United States Army); Master’s in Education (Furman); History Teacher, Assistant Principal, Teacher of the Year and PA Announcer for soccer, football and basketball a.k.a. “Voice of the Generals” (Wade Hampton High School); literacy and food bank volunteer (United Ministries); church youth group leader; 25-year teacher of the regular Sunday Aldersgate Class (St. Matthews United Methodist Church); and in recent years as punctual a visitor at Presbyterian Northeast in Columbia as he was a 7 p.m. Canasta player (The Waterford, Columbia).
Born December 15,1928 in Florence, SC, Jim’s parents were Charles James Easler of Columbia, SC and Aileene Jeanette Vaughn of Sebree, KY. Jim lived in Florence, Charleston, and Greenville as a young child, before spending most of his growing up years in Miami, FL.
At his mother’s insistence, Jim came back to SC to attend The Citadel, The Military College of SC, graduating with the Class of 1951. He was a Cadet officer, Drum Major of the Regimental Band, and winner of the 1950 “Star of the West Medal” awarded for “best-drilled cadet.” Jim and Will kept in frequent touch with Citadel friends, especially his mates from the band.
Army service included Infantry, the Counter Intelligence Corp, and the Air Defense Artillery. He had two over-seas assignments that took him away from his family: Adviser to The Saudi Arabian Air Defense School, in 1965 and 1970. But mostly, he had his young family in tow to such exotic places as Honolulu and Monterey (Defense Language Institute, Arabic); Oklahoma, El Paso, TX (twice) and Colorado Springs, CO (twice); returning South to Albany, GA, Montgomery, AL, finally retiring in Hampton, VA 1972.
Married for 56 years to (and pre-deceased by) his Columbia, SC sweetheart, Willie Belle Dukes Easler of Greeleyville, SC—by the time they had settled back into civilian life in Greenville—the couple could count setting up home in 10 US cities. Jim and Will returned to South Carolina with two children: Charles James (Jaimey) Easler, III (born in Honolulu, HI) and Michael Evans Easler (born in Colorado Springs, Co).
Jim is survived by Jaimey and his wife Katharine, who live near Chapel Hill, NC. And Michael, his wife Charlotte, and their children Evans and Karis, who live in Columbia, SC.
Jim will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who enjoyed his endless sense of adventure, company together for a good meal or quiet nights at home with the grandkids and a good movie. Jim was always ready to go.∼Born in Florence, South Carolina and son of Charles J. Easler, Sr. and Aileene Jeanette (Vaughn) Easler. He grew up in Florence, Greenville and Charleston, SC as well as Miami, Florida.
The Citadel Class of 1951 where he served as Drum Major of the Regimental Band and won the Star of the West Medal as best drilled cadet. Commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army he was a combat veteran of the Korean War earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge; he later had service in both the Military Intelligence and Air Defense Artillery branches and his posts included Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, California and as an advisor to the Air Defense School in Saudi Arabia. His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the Army, Air Force and Joint Service Commendation Medals.
After his retirement in 1972 he embarked on a second career as a History Teacher and Assistant Principal at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, earning a Masters Degree in Education from Furman University and being named Teacher of the Year along with serving as the longtime PA announcer for the soccer, football and basketball teams. He was also a youth group leader and bible class teacher at Saint Mathews United Methodist Church.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years years, Willie Belle (Dukes) Easler of Greeleyville, SC; he is survived by son Jaimey and daughter in law Katherine of Chapel Hill, NC; son Michael and daughter in law Katherine of Columbia, SC and 2 grandchildren.
Agraveside burial service with honors will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC, on All Saints Day, Sunday, November 1 at 12:30 pm.
Devoted son, father, grandfather, soldier, teacher, volunteer, and good friend top the long list of this most humble and exceptional man’s ribbons, medals, and titles: Star of the West (The Citadel); Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and Bronze Star (Korean War 1952-1953); Army, Air Force, and Joint Services Commendation Medals; the Meritorious Service Medal with OLC; Lt. Colonel (United States Army); Master’s in Education (Furman); History Teacher, Assistant Principal, Teacher of the Year and PA Announcer for soccer, football and basketball a.k.a. “Voice of the Generals” (Wade Hampton High School); literacy and food bank volunteer (United Ministries); church youth group leader; 25-year teacher of the regular Sunday Aldersgate Class (St. Matthews United Methodist Church); and in recent years as punctual a visitor at Presbyterian Northeast in Columbia as he was a 7 p.m. Canasta player (The Waterford, Columbia).
Born December 15,1928 in Florence, SC, Jim’s parents were Charles James Easler of Columbia, SC and Aileene Jeanette Vaughn of Sebree, KY. Jim lived in Florence, Charleston, and Greenville as a young child, before spending most of his growing up years in Miami, FL.
At his mother’s insistence, Jim came back to SC to attend The Citadel, The Military College of SC, graduating with the Class of 1951. He was a Cadet officer, Drum Major of the Regimental Band, and winner of the 1950 “Star of the West Medal” awarded for “best-drilled cadet.” Jim and Will kept in frequent touch with Citadel friends, especially his mates from the band.
Army service included Infantry, the Counter Intelligence Corp, and the Air Defense Artillery. He had two over-seas assignments that took him away from his family: Adviser to The Saudi Arabian Air Defense School, in 1965 and 1970. But mostly, he had his young family in tow to such exotic places as Honolulu and Monterey (Defense Language Institute, Arabic); Oklahoma, El Paso, TX (twice) and Colorado Springs, CO (twice); returning South to Albany, GA, Montgomery, AL, finally retiring in Hampton, VA 1972.
Married for 56 years to (and pre-deceased by) his Columbia, SC sweetheart, Willie Belle Dukes Easler of Greeleyville, SC—by the time they had settled back into civilian life in Greenville—the couple could count setting up home in 10 US cities. Jim and Will returned to South Carolina with two children: Charles James (Jaimey) Easler, III (born in Honolulu, HI) and Michael Evans Easler (born in Colorado Springs, Co).
Jim is survived by Jaimey and his wife Katharine, who live near Chapel Hill, NC. And Michael, his wife Charlotte, and their children Evans and Karis, who live in Columbia, SC.
Jim will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who enjoyed his endless sense of adventure, company together for a good meal or quiet nights at home with the grandkids and a good movie. Jim was always ready to go.∼Born in Florence, South Carolina and son of Charles J. Easler, Sr. and Aileene Jeanette (Vaughn) Easler. He grew up in Florence, Greenville and Charleston, SC as well as Miami, Florida.
The Citadel Class of 1951 where he served as Drum Major of the Regimental Band and won the Star of the West Medal as best drilled cadet. Commissioned as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army he was a combat veteran of the Korean War earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge; he later had service in both the Military Intelligence and Air Defense Artillery branches and his posts included Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado; the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, California and as an advisor to the Air Defense School in Saudi Arabia. His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the Army, Air Force and Joint Service Commendation Medals.
After his retirement in 1972 he embarked on a second career as a History Teacher and Assistant Principal at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, earning a Masters Degree in Education from Furman University and being named Teacher of the Year along with serving as the longtime PA announcer for the soccer, football and basketball teams. He was also a youth group leader and bible class teacher at Saint Mathews United Methodist Church.
Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years years, Willie Belle (Dukes) Easler of Greeleyville, SC; he is survived by son Jaimey and daughter in law Katherine of Chapel Hill, NC; son Michael and daughter in law Katherine of Columbia, SC and 2 grandchildren.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
