James Elliott Thwaite II

He was born on June 6, 1946, the eldest child of James Elliott Thwaite and June Kent, and he grew up in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. He proudly served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. While serving, Jami courted his wife Sue Ann in a series of letters exchanged from opposite sides of the world. They were married almost immediately upon his return to the states in 1968.Together they had two children, fraternal twins James (Jim) and Heather, in 1970. They moved from Pennsylvania to Maryland, where Jami continued to work for many years as a computer progrmmer and contractor forthe FAA before retiring. In 2018, Jami and Sue Ann moved to Chapin, South Carolina, where they spent his remaining years with their dogs and tortoise.

Their home is remembered fondly by his granddaughters as a happy and magical place, where Jami- also known to them as "Pa" - could often be found tinkering on old cars in the garage or working on projects around the house. He had an exceptionally active mind and loved solving puzzles and playing games with his family. He also had a sharp sense of humor and quick wit, and he was never afraid to do something wild to get a laugh.

Always a role model, Jami will be remembered for exemplifying the best a man can be. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he was unwaveringly compassionate and supportive, his tough marine exterior merely a facade for an immense tenderness. He displayed his love in big ways but also in so many small acts of recognition and kindness. He could always be counted upon to be there for the ones he loved, without question or hesitation, and growing up witnessing the steady, grounding love he had for his wife, Sue Ann, was a constant lesson in what it means to be a loving partner. Anyone would be lucky to be loved so wholly and so clearly, and Jami's love has undoubtedly been a blessing to those who knew him, and will continue to be his legacy long after he has left us.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Ann; his children, Jim (Kelly) and Heather (Sean); his granddaughters, Jessica (Dylan), Khloe, and Kampbell; and his brothers, Jeffrey (Linda), Jay (Connie), Jesse (Chrissy), and Joel (Sue).

He was preceded in death by his father, James; his mother, June; and his brother, John (Donna).

A graveside service for James will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.