James B. Cantrell

The fourth of eleven children, James was born to Jess E. Cantrell and Mae Smith Cantrell on January 12, 1931 on a farm in Walhalla, South Carolina.

He joined the United States Army in 1948. He served as a construction engineer in the Army Corps of Engineers. He was honorably discharged in 1974 with the rank of 1st Sgt.

In 1952, while stationed in England, he married Cynthia Howell of Stroud England. He went on to serve his country for 27 years, moving his family worldwide. After retiring, he started his own company as a painter contractor.

James took pleasure in fishing, gardening and watching the Dallas Cowboys and the Clemson Tigers. He loved time spent with his family, especially attending all of his granddaughter’s soccer games and he particularly enjoyed meeting up with friends at the Northgate Soda Shop. He had many wonderful friends and was loved wherever he went.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by daughters; Jane Cantrell and Susan Cantrell (Van Hancock); granddaughter Sarah Bobotis (George) and great granddaughter Kate Bobotis, all of Greenville, South Carolina. He is also survived by brother John Cantrell, sister Barbara Burrell both of Walhalla, South Carolina, and sister Sandra Burrell of Salem, South Carolina.

James was predeceased by brothers; B.C., Leon, Ray, J.D., and Paul Cantrell along with sisters Jessie Winkler and Rachel Reid, all of Walhalla, South Carolina.

James received the greatest possible care from the wonderful and caring nurses, counselors, doctors and dietary staff at the Hospice of the Foothills. The family is forever grateful for the love and support they provided.

A memorial service for James will be held Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609. The family will receive relatives and friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of James to Prisma Health Hospice of the Foothills at https://prismahealth.org/giving.