James Lyle Bouknight

James Lyle Bouknight, known as Lyle to most, lived an incredible life full of faith, love and adventure. It is with a heavy heart we must say goodbye to his earthly presence as he has gone to be with his lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Lyle was born February 10,1955 in Irmo, South Carolina, as the youngest child to Thelbert and Maude Bouknight and younger brother to Blair, Garnett and Joan. He left his birth home to study at the University of South Carolina and later Purdue University, where he pursued his passion in engineering. Lyle’s engineering career spanned multiple decades, allowing him to provide a wonderful life for his family of five in Laguna Nigel, California.

He met the love of his life, Susan, on a blind date. They were married for more than four decades and had three children, Nick, Ashleigh and Katelyn. As a couple, they lived in Florida, California and eventually made their way back to South Carolina after an early retirement.

In his later years, Lyle and Susan traveled the world and had many wonderful adventures together. His faith grew stronger with each passing year, and he served as an active member of his church and gave back to his community. Lyle was a loving grandfather to Harrison, Madison, Hazel, Bella, Ara, Brittain and Elsie. He also lovingly welcomed his children’s spouses, Jordan, Brian and Brielle to the Bouknight family, always providing an example of servanthood to God and family.

Lyle loved woodworking, using every new tool he could and building his own masterpieces. His second home was on the golf course, and he loved beach trips, Gamecocks football and time down by the river in his native home of Irmo. He had a wonderful sense of humor, always took every call from his family and showed us so much love every day. We will deeply miss Lyle but know that one day we will see him again in Heaven.

The celebration of Lyle's life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Crossroads Church, St. Andrews Campus, 2723 Ashland Road, Columbia, SC 29210.