James Edward Tinsley

The Management and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral  Home sorrowfully  announce the death of Mr. James Edward Tinsley, 72, of 8013 Brookmont Lane, Columbia, South Carolina.  Mr. Tinsley died Friday,  March 20, 2015 at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.  

Funeral services for Mr. Tinsley will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1028 Eastman Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29203 on Thursday, March 26, 2015, 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in Memorial Gardens of Columbia, 9301 Wilson Boulevard, Columbia, South Carolina.

James Edward Tinsley was born in Richmond, Virginia.  He was the first born child of the Mrs. Alberta Tinsley Mayo and the late George Edward Tinsley.  He departed his earthly life on Friday, March 20, 2015 at 4:21 p.m. at Palmetto Richland Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina surrounded by his loving family.

He was affectionally known as Papa, Pop, Daddy, Mr. T, Mr. James and Jerry.  James graduated from Central High School in Goochland, Virginia and after graduation; Brother Tinsley joined the United States Navy. While in the Navy, he attended the University of Rhode Island majoring in Sociology.  His service in the Navy included special projects at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. He sailed on numerous submarines, traveling for three to six months under the ocean.  James served his country with much dignity and honor and he retired as Master Chief from the United States Navy with 30 years of service.  After retirement, he returned to Columbia, South Carolina and began employment with the South Carolina Department of Corrections as an officer and was later promoted to Supply Manager. He retired after 12 years of service with the Department of Corrections.

James was a member of Zion Canaan Baptist Church where he held membership on the Trustee Board.  He later joined Bethlehem Baptist Church of College Place where he was affiliated with the Veterans’ Ministry. He was also a member of the C.C. Johnson Consistory No. 136 where he received his 33rd Degree Mason, a member of Capital City Lodge No. 47-Prince Hall Affiliate of the State of South Carolina, and a life member of the Gandy Griffin (VFW) Post 4262, Columbia, South Carolina. James was also a member of the Combat Veterans Group, Midland Cruisers (Antique Cars), Sarcoidosis of South Carolina, Mending Hearts and Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation of Providence Hospital Heart & Vascular Institute.

Over the years, James received numerous awards and honors namely:  2008 Recipient of “Living the Legacy” Award from the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; South Carolina Department of Corrections Award in Appreciation for a job well done in Food Service Operations;  appointed by Governor Mark Sanford, Certificate of Appreciation; South Carolina Department of Corrections Award for the Unselfish Support during Riot Hostage Incident on April 17, 1995; Award in Recognition of Valuable Contributions to C.C. Johnson Consistory No. 136; Participant in Adopt-a-Highway; a number of Outstanding Achievement Awards for his dedication and service to Capital City Lodge # 47 and the Community; Man of the Year for Capital City Lodge # 47-Prince Hall Affiliate and Man of the Year for C.C. Johnson Consistory No. 136-Council of Deliberation.

James was an avid photographer, always capturing every family and friends’ gathering.  He also challenged himself in the culinary field.  He enjoyed playing the guitar and was a former student of J’Michael Peeples.

Brother Tinsley has been married to the former Rebecca Pandora Stephens of Columbia, South Carolina for 45 years.

Brother Tinsley leaves to cherish found memories his wife, his four children, James Jr. (Anita) of Goochland, VA, Maurice D. (Andrea) of Glenn Allen, VA, Madria C. and Melissa S. Tinsley both of the home; his mother, Alberta Tinsley Mayo of Goochland, VA; one brother, Robert Tinsley of Goochland, VA;  two sisters, Thelma Edwards of  Fredericksburg, VA and Pearl Watson of Ardmore, PA;  six sisters-in-law, Eliza S. (Charles) Davis of Columbia, SC, Myrtle S. Young of Columbia, SC, Nancy S. Prater of Randolph, NJ, Mary Tinsley of Goochland, VA, Faye Tinsley of Raleigh, NC, and Dorothy Stephens of Morristown, NJ; five grandchildren, Corey Johnson of Richmond, VA, James E. (Tee)Tinsley, III, Katrice Tinsley of Goochland, VA, Camryn Tinsley and Corbin Tinsley of Glenn Allen, VA; one great-granddaughter, Kamaya E. Tinsley of Goochland, VA; god sons Ronald Duncan, Houston, TX, Mark Peters, Richard Nixon, Reverend Derrick Myers of Columbia, SC; great aunts, Edna Lilientha of Manhattan, New York, Mary Watson of Goochland, VA, and Ruby Austin of Brooklyn, NY; and host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

James was predeceased by his father and two brothers Allen and John Tinsley.

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