CAYCE - James E. “Jim” Jaco, 88, of Cayce, entered his eternal heavenly home on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. He was born in Toledo, OH on October 6, 1929 the son of the late Iveral Lee Jaco and Annie E. Neeley Jaco.
Jim was a graduate of Olympia High School. As a youth he worked for Olympia Grocery Store. He also worked for Doyle Jaco, Sr., who was his mentor. His experiences growing up in Olympia shaped him both professionally and in his quest for public service. In 1955 he went to work for the South Carolina Tax Commissions where he retired in 1983 as the assistant division director and an avid member of the Southeastern Association of Tax Administrators.
He was very active in the Olympia Community, and the Athletics Management of Olympia School. Jim was President of “We are Olympia Community Organization” for 30 years. There was never an issue to big or small for Jim to take on, from helping a fellow neighbor get a new roof, to organizing a neighborhood blood drive, to fighting to keep Olympia School open.
In his love for the Olympia community he compiled a poem explaining the Dough Boy Statue that was donated by the Olympia neighbors and workers after WWII. He quoted this poem in many churches and other various groups.
Jim was a Master mason and a member of, Pacific Lodge #325 A.F.M. in Columbia. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church of Columbia (Olympia) which he served as a Sunday school teacher. Jim served on the pulpit, finance committees and the church council.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Myrle Koon Jaco; sisters, Betty Wise, Mary Pearce, Frances McCurdy (Don), Nancy Burnett (Bill) and Bobbie Jean McGee (James); many nieces, nephews, in-laws and a God-child, Katie Jaco Nieri.. He was predeceased by two brothers and 5 sisters.
Jim was loved and respected by everyone who knew him and he will be forever missed. The family would like to thank our nephew David Burnett, Dr. James Herman and his caring staff, South Carolina Oncology and Palmetto Health Hospice for their tender care.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at St. Luke Lutheran Church with interment in Olympia cemetery with masonic rites. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church or the Olympia Cemetery Association at 1127 Olympia Ave. Columbia, SC 29201.
