James Edward Joye Sr.

Columbia, SC - James Edward Joye Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on January 5, 2026 at the age of 88. Born on April 19, 1937, he was a son of the late James Furman Joye and the late Ollie Mae Joye (née Dennis), a brother to Betty Joye McQuatters of West Columbia, the late Furman Merell Joye, the late Marlene Joye Strange, and the late Mildred Joye Marsh. He was given the nickname Slick by a dear family friend, “Aunt Katie”, when he was a young schoolboy and the name stayed with him for his entire life. Slick pursued a career as a salesman in various industries from Edisto Dairy Farms to paper products, automotive parts, uniforms, and grocery stores across the state. In September of 1956 he became a beloved husband to the late Nettie JoAn Harrison, together they raised four children who went on to bless them with ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Slick and JoAn became involved in their church by leading Sunday School classes, volunteering with children’s ministries, and Mr. Joye served as a deacon at Park St. Baptist before transferring their membership to Shandon Baptist Church later in life. They enjoyed athletics in their leisure time by bowling with friends, golfing with family, watching the Carolina Gamecocks, coaching children’s baseball teams, and in later years by showing up to cheer for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren at horseback arenas, ball fields, performing arts centers, and gymnasiums all over the state. After JoAn’s passing in 2017, Slick continued to pour himself into the family they created and into the people of his community. He had a very generous spirit, especially for children and for people who were unable to care for themselves. He spent his days bringing meals to neighbors who couldn’t get out much, visiting with them, socializing at his favorite restaurant, Lizard’s Thicket on Forest Drive, where he was known to give out small toys to children there regularly just to bring a little joy to strangers and earning him the nickname “Summer Santa” by the staff. He was a tirelessly hardworking man who never stopped caring for those around him, never stopped showing love for others, and never stopped serving God.

He is survived by his sister Betty McQuatters of West Columbia; his daughter Jennifer Boltin (James) of Columbia, his sons James E. Joye Jr (Lilian) of Lexington, and Alex Lewis (Christine) of Anderson; grandchildren Harrison Boltin, Jessica VanWyk (Brandon), Hutch Joye, Tessie Joye, Justin Joye, Ansleigh Lewis, Levi Lewis, and Charlie Lewis; great-grandchildren John Harrison Boltin, JoyeAnna Boltin, Jane-Maecyn Boltin, Kaylynn VanWyk, Sterling VanWyk, SebastianVanWyk, and Mackenzie Binnall. As well as step-grandchildren Patrick Boltin (Reca), Lari Londino, Jen Dempster (Matt); step-great-grandchildren Ethan, Caroline, Jack, Pryor, Brodie, Dylan, Kyler; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife JoAn, son John Harrison Joye of Jacksonville, FL, brother Furman Merell Joye of Kansas City, MO, sisters Marlene Strange of Columbia, and Mildred Marsh of Blythewood.

A memorial service will be held at Shandon Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 14th upstairs in the Chapel. The family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00pm with the service to follow at 1:00pm. Interment will be held at a later date with family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to James Joye’s Great-Grandchildren’s College Fund via Venmo (@James-Joye-7) or checks mailed to the home.