James Leonard Pennington

James Leonard Pennington, EdD entered into eternal rest Friday, January 17, 2025. Jim, the son of the late James L. and Mary Alice Pennington was born February 1, 1944 in Ashland, Kentucky. He graduated from Morehead State University, was an NDEA Fellow at the University of Alabama, received a Masters of Public Administration from Xavier University and a Doctorate of Education from Nova Southeastern University.

His career in local government as a City Manager spanned forty years. He worked in cities in North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Arkansas, serving his communities with honesty and great integrity. Before retirement he was active in state and regional governmental agencies. Jim, a lifelong learner, was also able to use his experiences and education to teach others as an adjunct professor at South University. He was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Liturgy committee, and was a Eucharastic Minister and lay reader.

Jim is survived by his wife, Dee, of the home, daughter, Amy (Harrison) Pinckney, sweet grandchildren Trad and Madison Pinckney, and two lovable labs- MacDuff and Shelby. His family was very important to him and we take joy in knowing that his abundant love will always be with us.

A celebration of Jim’s wonderful life will be held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 403 Park Road, Lexington, SC. In remembrance of Jim’s life and love, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church or the American Heart Association.

The family would like to thank Dr. Amy Rawl Epps for the exceptional medical care she gave Jim, as well as the doctors, nurses and support staff of MICU at Lexington Medical Center who did a remarkable job of caring for Jim and his family.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26