James Marshall Strickland

James “Jim” Marshall Strickland was born in Great Falls, South Carolina on February 17, 1938 to Emma Bell Broome Strickland and James Rueben Strickland. He graduated from Union High School, Union South Carolina, where he was in the band playing clarinet and became drum major. He joined the United States Air Force after graduation and met Ermon June Moore while stationed in San Antonio, Texas. During his 21-year military career, he served in Vietnam as a radio operator on military aircraft, traveled extensively and had two daughters that he very was proud of. He retired as a SMSGT. After retirement he was in software support, insurance sales and finally truly retired. He was always active in his church as a deacon, teacher and choir member. It was important to Jim to spread God’s word by working with the Gideons and actively participated in the founding of two churches. He was a current member of Calvary Hills Baptist Church. Even after losing his hearing, sight and wife, he continued to look for ways to serve. He prayerfully and financially supported ministries, missionaries and mission trips in the city, state and around the world.

He loved his family spending time square dancing, camping, fishing, site seeing, bowling, darts, soccer, golf and riding motorcycles with them. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were so important to him and made him smile. That smile was infectious and the laugh associated with that smile was how his daughters could find him in a crowded church.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ermon June Moore Strickland.

He is survived by his daughter Rhonda Ragsdale and husband David, daughter Teresa Barker and husband Dwayne; grandchildren James Ragsdale and wife Amanda, Debbie Reynolds and husband Patrick, Jennifer Ragsdale, Brenda Balogh and husband Joshua, Kelly Ragsdale, Coy Tipton and wife Rhieannon, Garrett Sinor, Travis Barker and Trevor Barker; 17 great grandchildren; And a host of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends that loved him.

Jim went to heaven two hours shy of his 85th birthday, on February 16, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warriors or Gideons International would be appreciated.

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We love you Dad

(morse code)