Mr. James M. Starnes, 94, of Hartwell, formerly of Pelzer, SC, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2022 at his home.

Born on February 5, 1928 in Clinton, SC, he was the son of the late Minter Bobo Starnes and Effie Brady Starnes. Mr. Starnes worked at AnMed Health Medical Center from 1977-1993 where he was a maintenance worker in the Engineering Department. He was a member of the Abundant Life Baptist Church and a former member & deacon of Milltown Baptist Church. He was an avid lover of sports, especially baseball and softball. James played baseball with the Pelzer Bears, and played Men's Softball. He coached both Girls and Men's Softball, as well as Men's Basketball. He also umpired softball, high school baseball, and Clemson University baseball, and he was even offered to umpire professionally but declined to raise his family. James was also a US Army Air Corps veteran where he served during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

Survivors include his wife: Bonnie Scarboro Starnes of Hartwell; two sons: Mike Starnes (Robin) of Piedmont, SC, and Tommy Starnes (Terry) of Belton, SC; four daughters: Diane Durham (Louie) of Laurens, SC, and Lynn Bishop (George) of Anderson, SC, Tammy Strickland (Arnold) of Hartwell and Gina Grant (Tommy) of Williamston, SC; eighteen grandchildren; and twenty-nine great grandchildren also survive. Mr. Starnes is preceded in death by his parents; first wife: Audrey Louise Cobb Starnes; one son: Doug Starnes; five brothers: Willie Lee, Lawrence, Leonard, Tolly, and Randolph Starnes; and one sister: Virginia "Jink" Carson.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral services for Mr. James Starnes will be held Sunday, July 3, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Ken Brewer officiating. Graveside services will be at the Greenville Memorial Gardens at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Abundant Life Baptist Church, P.O. Box 237, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.