James Franklin Starkey

LEXINGTON – A memorial service for James Franklin Starkey will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072 with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

James was born July 23, 1935 in Milford, Connecticut and passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016. He graduated from Milford High School while working part-time at A&P Tea Company. Upon graduation James joined the company fulltime.

James proudly served our country with the Navy Reserve and 82nd Airborne Division of the Army. He met the love of his life in Raleigh, NC and they married in 1958 in his bride’s home church. The newlyweds moved to Connecticut where a position with the A&P Tea Company as Assistant Manager was waiting for him. The couple moved to South Carolina in 1970 and he was an Assistant Manager at the Forest Drive A&P Store until stores began to close in the area. He found a fulfilling job with McKee Baking Company (Little Debbie Cakes) where he faithfully worked until his passing.

Jim received several awards with McKee Baking Company during his tenure. He was honored with a plaque for “Outstanding Independent Distributor”. The one that best describes James is the plaque that says “In appreciation for outstanding service in helping others achieve their sales goals”. James lived his life serving his family, friends, church and people in need. He had a passion for helping others and dedicated his entire life to serving others.

James was a faithful member of Shandon Baptist Church and a member of the Faith Sunday School Bible Class. He served as Director of the Senior Sunday School Department and volunteered as an usher. He also volunteered in his community with Meals on Wheels for over 10 years. James was a dedicated family man that cherished his family and friends and was the kind of husband, father and friend that you could count on.

Among his survivors are his best friend and loving wife of fifty-seven years, Rochelle Williams Starkey; daughters, Janine Rochelle Roberts (Randy), Joy Starkey Grainger (Jeremy); seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by a brother, William S. Starkey of Woodridge, Connecticut, and nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his parents, Shirley Leland Starkey and Helen St. Clair Starkey; sisters Alisha Starkey and Betty Starkey Maurer; brothers, Robert Starkey and Maurice Starkey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Shandon Baptist Missionary Fund or a charity of your choice.

The family will receive friends after the service at 114 Autumn Oaks Ln, Lexington, SC 29073.