The birds and squirrels in a certain backyard in Columbia are enjoying the last specks of seed left for them by one of God’s kindest sons.  God called James Raymond Petty, Jr. (Jim) back to his forever home on November 26, 2023.  We believe God needed a reprieve from the unsolicited instructions provided by Jim’s wife, Tenne Ann Petty (Ann), who passed away in May.  She had to excuse herself to give her husband an earful for falling while hanging his bird feeder.  

Jim was born on October 6, 1944 in Jackson, Tennessee to Willie Nelle and James Raymond Petty, Sr.  He was the eldest son and the second of five children.  He is survived by two brothers, Mark and Russ Petty.  Growing up in the country, he loved being outdoors, playing with his dog, and raising cain with siblings and cousins.  He graduated from Memphis State in 1966 and was a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He worked the night shift at Sears to put himself through school and to fuel his candy apple red 1964 Chevy Impala convertible.  Upon graduation from ROTC, he took his commission in the United States Air Force as a logistics officer with the Strategic Air Command, serving in the Vietnam War and achieving the rank of Captain.  After an honorable discharge, he became a mortgage banker, transitioning to full time commercial appraiser several years later.  He earned his Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) designation, a distinction requiring hard work and demonstration of ethical practices, in the early 1980s.  Over the years, he ran his own appraisal company before he decided to finish his career as Ann’s appraisal assistant.  For better or worse, they spent the majority of their last twenty years together, working, laughing, and pushing one another’s buttons.

Jim met Ann when she was working as a receptionist at her father’s dental office.  At 22, he developed a host of dental problems, necessitating multiple visits.  He wasn’t able to even finish popping the question before she said “YES!”.  They were married in 1968.  “Boo” was devoted to her until the end, nursing her in her last weeks of life in a final display of love.  If everyone had a love like theirs, the world would be a different place. He was tremendously lonely without her by his side.

Jim is survived by his three children, Catherine Cunagin (Jay) of Billings, MT, Caroline Sampson (Patrick) of Greenville, SC and Chris Petty (Justine) of Lexington, SC.  He was incredibly proud of his children.  He gave them a childhood full of love, guidance and humor.  He caught most of it on videotape from the time it was invented.  As a father, he believed in letting children be children and fostering creativity and imagination.  His children will associate the smell of sawdust with Dad’s woodworking and remember the mini kitchen, pumpkin table and rocking toys he made for them.  Having an avid barbecue chef for a dad, they will always catch a whiff of something good when they see an old school Suburban, aka the “Pig Mobile,” drive by.  He loved visiting his children.  He gave them his empathetic heart, his goofy sense of humor and his kindness.

Jim adored his six grandchildren, continuing the role of teacher, jokester and friend that he had honed as a father.  Coming full circle, his USAF call name, “Boo Boo,” was resurrected as his grandfather moniker.  Boo Boo taught them many things as only a grandfather can, with patience and wisdom.  He passed on his love of art and loved teaching them games and tricks.  If they wanted to help, no one was ever too young to paint, clean the pool, or plant flowers.  He never tired of hearing about various academic and athletic achievements.  Jim’s spirit will be kept alive for Chase, Bitsy, Hunter, Jack, Kate and Drew.

Jim loved his family and friends.  He loved reading historical fiction and providing tidbits of history to the few who would listen.  He loved dogs, birds, squirrels and animals in general and could not abide cruelty.  He would do anything for anybody at any time.  He loved to encourage people and help when he was able.  He was a dedicated member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.  His heart was big and selfless and kind.  He was a support beam, and we miss him.

Jim will be laid to rest at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.  A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 2:30PM at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204.  Visitation to follow at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sistercare, Inc., P.O. Box 1029, Columbia, SC 29202 or www.sistercare.org/support-sistercare/donate.