Jimmy Charles Bales

EASTOVER-Jimmy was a man of few, yet ever powerful words. He was the loving patriarch of the family, always providing encouragement and support to everyone in the family. He was also a true public servant, endeavoring to improve all lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.

Jimmy was born September 25, 1935 in Rose Hill, Virginia to the late James Bales and Ruth Robinette.

Exactly 86 years later, after a lingering illness he passed away on September 25th at home surrounded by his loving family.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy was predeceased by his first wife (Violet Jo Burgner), his two children (Deborah Bales Wofford Magill and Richard Bales) and his two brothers (Bobby Bales and Billy Bales).

Jimmy is survived by his second wife (Helen Lynn Bales) of 28 years, two stepsons (Kevin Smith and Kris Smith), one daughter (Kristen Bales), two brothers (Joe Bales and Johnny Bales), six grandchildren (Bobbie Wofford-Kanwat, Charla Wofford Methe, Kristi Bales Humphries, Ashley Bales Pessolano, Mary Smith Carter, and Katie Smith), and ten great-grandchildren.

The Korean War brought Jimmy to Fort Jackson in 1955. After receiving an honorable discharge, Jimmy received his BA degree from Columbia College in 1960 (the government allowed veterans to attend Columbia College after the Korean War for a number of years). In 1966, Jimmy received his MA degree from East Tennessee State and in 1975 his Ed. D. from the University of South Carolina.

He was a retired educator of 33 years having served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal at Lower Richland High School during desegregation, and director of career education for Richland District One. Other former jobs included a probation officer for Richland County Family Court (1960-63), a residential home builder since 1963, and a farmer since 1965 where he dabbled in cattle and horse farming on his land in Eastover.

Jimmy Bales exemplified what it meant to be a public servant. He was politically involved with the Richland County Democratic Party dating back to 1955. His first political office was serving on Richland County Council 1977-84 and 1986-90 where he met John Scott (now Senator Scott) who loved politics as much as Jimmy. Many a night, both would talk politics and seek resolutions to key problems for their constituents.

In 1999, Jimmy was elected to the SC House of Representative despite being the underdog. His dream was made possible by the tireless efforts of Bernice G. Scott and her Reckoning Crew, as well as many, many other personal friends including Howard Campbell and Larry Koester. He considered himself privileged to serve the citizens of District #80 and the entire state for 22 years. From the beginning of his tenure as a representative, he was a leader: first serving as the Chairman of the Freshman Caucus 1999-00 and then acting on many committees including the Judiciary Committee, LCI (Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee), Chairman of Invitations Committee, Chairman of the Real Estate Subcommittee, the Central Midlands Council of Governments. Most notably, Jimmy was a member of the Ways and Means Committee, the single most powerful committee tasked with administering the budget, which further enabled him to champion the needs of his constituents.

Jimmy always understood that he needed to work across party lines to effectuate meaningful, positive change. He and Jay Lucas (now House Speaker) became great friends as members of the same class of representatives despite Jimmy being a Democrat and Jay being a Republican. Jimmy garnered a “no-nonsense” reputation as a man of his word and was known for his sometimes-biting wit while simultaneously maintaining his gentlemanly manners. Jimmy was always grateful for his friends and staff that worked with him throughout his tenure.

One of Jimmy’s many attributes that his family lovingly remembers is his tenacity, which served him well to reach his goals as a public servant. While on Richland County Council, he was instrumental in implementing the first countywide zoning ordinance, garbage pickup and fire service. While in the House of Representatives, he worked tirelessly in support of passing legislation to benefit District #80 which included securing funds for (1) the Lower Richland Sheriff’s substation, (2) the Screaming Eagle sheriff’s substation, (3) widening Leesburg Road, (4) the Eastover Health Center, (5) the Atlas Road Health Center, (6) the Garner’s Ferry Recreational Center, (7) the Crossroad Recreational Center, and (8) the Shop Road Extension.

Jimmy was honored to have been awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. His friends Jay Lucas and Dennis Moss wanted to recognize Jimmy’s life of service to his community. Jimmy was also honored to have the Shop Road Extension, which he tenaciously worked for, dedicated in his name, thanks to his friends Senators Darrell Jackson and John Scott.

In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial contributions in Jimmy’s honor to either the CR Neal Dream Center, a local nonprofit that serves those in need in Southeast Columbia, or to Temple Baptist Church located at 806 Universal Drive, Columbia, SC 29209, where Jimmy was a founding member.

A public visitation will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Due to COVID-19, the family will have a private funeral service that will be live-streamed on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 10:00am at https://www.facebook.com/DunbarDevine/. A private graveside service for only family will follow.