Michelle M. James

Jacqueline Michelle Moore James, 57, of Union, S.C., passed away on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.

Michelle was born in Cumming, Ga., to Coach Billy Jack Moore and Kathryn Easton Moore of Union.

Michelle was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, John Franklin James, Sr. Together Michelle and John have two children, John Franklin James, Jr. and Mary Kathryn James, both of Union. She is also survived by her sister, Shannon Leigh Moore; brother-in-law, Kevin Lynn Hill; two nieces,  Hannah Leigh Hill and Rebecca "Becca" Hill all of Simpsonville.

On her husband's side  of the family she is survived by her sister-in-law, Susan James Ingram; her brother-in-law, William Stanford James  Jr. and his  wife, Ann Marie; her brother-in-law, Joseph David James and his wife, Kelly; nephews Benjamin Ingram IV and his wife, Liz; Stephen Ingram and his wife, Katie and Connor James; nieces Ginny James and Anna James.

Michelle was a 1985 graduate of Union High School, where she was an honor student and was a member of  the National Honor Society, Beta Club and other organizations. She played the flute in the Sting Machine Marching Band. She was a high spirited varsity cheerleader and threw the shot put  and discus on the Union High Track Team. She qualified and participated in the state finals in each of these events throughout high school.

Michelle graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. She worked in the IPTAY office and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. Her favorite activities at Clemson were spending time with friends and attending all the sporting events.

Michelle was bright and continued her education by earning additional degrees including her Master's in Education from Converse College in 1995 and her Educational Specialist degree from Converse in 2005. She was a 2008 graduate of the Principal Induction Program.

She loved serving the people and especially the students of Union County for 34 years. She worked as the Continuing Education Specialist for Milliken Inc. for many years. She loved helping the Milliken employees continue their education. She taught Spanish at Union Academy before beginning her career with Union County Schools, first working as a Special Education teacher at Union County High School. In her career she was assistant principal at Sims Jr. High, Jonesville High and Union High and principal at Jonesville High.  She also served as athletic director at Union High where she was able to help students pursue college scholarships to continue their education.

She served as Special Education Director for Union County Schools for many years and her  current title was director of Adult Education.

Michelle was an active member in various service clus including Delta Kappa Gamma, IPTAY  of Union County, she was  a sustaining  member of the Union Jr. Charity League  and the Union Cotillion Club. She was a member of  Grace United Methodist Church where she loved serving the Lord.

She was a huge college and professional football enthusiast. She loved going to games to watch former students play or coach. She especially enjoyed taking Kat-Kat. Pa-Pa and her  children to the games. Michelle was smart, kind and had a loving heart for others. She cherished spending time with her family and friends. But most of all she was a devoted mother to her children, Jack and Mary Kathryn.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Grace United Methodist Church.  The family will host a visitation and reception in the fellowship hall of Grace United Methodist Church immediately following the funeral service.

At the funeral, guests are asked to wear Clemson colors, if they choose to, in memory of Michelle's favorite college team.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the educational funds for Mary Kathryn James and Jack James at Founders Bank.