Thomas Harvey "Tommy" James

Thomas James ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Greenwood on Mar. 9, 2026.Thomas "Tommy" Harvey James, 80, resident of Abbeville, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Self Regional Healthcare.Born November 12, 1945, in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Harold James and Irene Cogburn James. He was a 1964 graduate of Greenwood High School and retired from Monsanto after 38 years of service. Tommy was a member and former deacon of Rice Memorial Baptist Church.Tommy was cranky and loving at the same time. He had a heart of gold and was loved by everyone. He loved animals and the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Russell, his best friend, Johnny, and his nephews.Surviving are his high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Barbara Chapman James; two daughters, Susan Graves (Brian) of Douglas, GA, and Melissa (Lesa) Johnson (Ray) of Irmo; a sister, Linda James Moore of Greenwood; two grandchildren, Liz Graves and Abby Johnson; and two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Zoey Graves. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his childhood friends, Terry Hall and James McClendon.He was preceded in death by a son, Russell James; a sister, Virginia James Forrest; and a brother-in-law, Maurice Moore.A celebration of life will be held at a later date.Memorials may be made to Rice Memorial Baptist Church or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.