James Loftis

A memorial service for James E. “Buddy” Loftis, 57, of West Columbia, will be held Noon, Saturday, January 7, 2012, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 1127 Olympia Ave, Columbia, with The Rev. Andrew Isenhower officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Shives Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mr. Loftis died Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Born in Columbia, SC on July 29, 1954, he was a son of the late Elmore and Annie Lee Cook Loftis. Buddy loved football, Nascar and beer. He had attended the University of South Carolina in the 1970’s, where he was a member of the football team. He was a former employee of McCall’s, Inc.

Survivors include his wife, Cecilia Ann Keeling Loftis; son, Jimmy (Kristi) Loftis of Gilbert; step-children, Aubrey, Jamie, Sally, Chris and Chip; brother, George (Brenda) Loftis of Goose Creek; five grandchildren, one great grandchild; and numerous family and friends.