James Arthur Ham, Sr., of Florence, died peacefully on August 2, 2026 after a brief illness.
He grew up in Olanta, SC and later lived in Manning, Turbeville and Charleston. He was above all a happy, optimistic man. He quite literally woke up every morning dancing and singing down the stairs.
He was a proud Citadel graduate and a U.S. Army Captain who served in Vietnam, piloting over 250 combat missions in one tour.
He was a successful businessman who pioneered modular construction in the region. A business acquaintance once remarked, “A handshake from James Ham is better than a signature from anyone else.” He was a straight shooter.
He had a singular love of nature and the family property we call “The Bay” was his favorite place on Earth. Days spent hunting quail, birdwatching and reading there seemed to set him right.
He was a man of faith who frequently and anonymously helped those with financial hardships.
Friends and family loved coming over for the famous 6pm “Happy Hour in the Garden” in Charleston. “Your Dad tells such great stories!” they would say. We’d roll our eyes, having heard every story 20 times. But they WERE great stories. He was That Guy. The one who commanded attention in the room.
So we will miss the larger-than-life presence that was our father: the kind man who left us a love of art, nature, and fine dining, the uncle/grandfather/mentor who always had time to listen, and the father whose love for us was present, generous and unconditional.
He is survived by his children, Eloise Anderson and Jay Ham; grandchildren James Arthur and Anabel; and sister Harriet Coker. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Mary.
The funeral will be Saturday at 1pm, at St. John’s Church in Florence.