James A. Desmond

James A. Desmond, Jr., 96, of Lexington, S.C. passed away on December 23, 2025. Born on October 30, 1929 in Long Branch, New Jersey; he was the son of the late James A. Desmond, Sr. and his wife. James joined the Navy after high school and spent 20 years as a Chief Hospital Corpsman serving aboard several ships and at Naval Reserve Training Centers in Springfield, Massachusetts; Honolulu, Hawaii; Lynchburg, Virginia; and Columbia, South Carolina. After retirement from the Navy, he worked as the Court Clerk and Court Administrator for the City of Columbia, SC.

James was an avid fisherman, loved following the New York Yankees, and looked forward to family vacations at the beach each year. As a former Navy man, he loved the ocean and the shore. James was a life-long Catholic and a generous and loving man who was always willing to help others when they were in need. James loved his family and was known to spoil his grandkids and delight in spending time together with them.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Margie Desmond; his dear son Marvin Desmond; and dear sisters, Irene Woolley and Delores Jackson, of Long Branch, New Jersey. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Sobotowicz and son-in-law William Sobotowicz of Lexington, SC; granddaughter Penny Sobotowicz of Columbia, SC; daughter-in-law Barbara Desmond and grandson Chris Desmond of Columbia, SC.

A memorial service will be held for James on January 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, 503 N. Lake Drive, Lexington, SC.