He was born on November 20, 1926 in Marion, NC, to the late Creed Mack and Nettie Anderson Ledford. James began working at the age of 16 at Martel Mills and later joined Mascot Homes as a cabinet maker. His knack for woodwork inspired him to create gazebos, bird houses, and lots of picture frames which he proudly displayed his beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren throughout his home. James was a jack of all trades. He was constantly amazing others with his keen ability to make things work, that others could not. He loved fixing things and tinkering with motors and engines and firmly believed that you should not throw anything away that may possibly be useful.
James was popular throughout Boiling Springs. Wherever he went, someone recognized him as the guy with the “Little Blue VW Bug.” He frequented Chick-fil-a, Cracker Barrel, Wade’s and the barber shop. He was always sporting a fresh haircut and a brown derby. James was a WWII veteran having proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He was of the Baptist faith and attended Valley Falls Baptist Church for many years.
James discovered his love for bluegrass music at a young age. By 8 years of age, he was playing on the Farmer Gray Radio show. He continued his love and developed his talent, buying his first guitar at age 16. Over the years he shared his talent by performing with various other artists on the Square at Asheville, NC and numerous gigs around Spartanburg, SC. James dearly loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him and most especially by his fur babies, Tinglebell and Bullet.
He is survived by his daughter, Marlene Ledford Rollins (Sam) of Newberry, SC; grandchildren, Jennifer Wolfe (Darrin) of Chattanooga, TN, Paul Rollins (Jacci) of Wise, VA, Meridith Wilson (Sean) of Newberry, SC, David Rollins (Leslie) of Annapolis, MD, LeAnna Ledford of Columbia, SC, Julia Newman (Dustin) of Spartanburg, SC, and Adam Ledford of Greenwood, SC; great grandchildren, Lauren (James), Cameron (Geovana), Jordan (Emily), Whitney, Kristen (Kurtis), Hannah, Grace, Courtney, Tyler, Andy, Johnny, Haley, and Ashton; sister, Beatrice Parks of Boiling Springs; great-great grandchildren, Trey, Charly, Jack and Lucy; and his special friend, Shelley Nettles.
He is preceded in death by two sons, Donald James Ledford, Daniel Mack Ledford; brother, Ralph Ledford; sister, Betty Clayton and great grandson, A.J. Ledford.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at Valley Falls Baptist Church, 8352 Valley Falls Road, Boiling Springs, SC, with Pastor Gary Atkins officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to service at the church. A burial will follow service at Good Shepherd Memorial Park, 4164 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs, SC.
The family would like to thank all the caregivers from Halcyon Hospice and Angel Care for the wonderful and loving care provided to him.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanchapin.com for the Ledford family.
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