Year in Review: In Memory
May 29, 1916 – May 14, 2016
Nearly 100: Albert L. James, Jr. leaves a legacy of service, exemplary work ethic, and a host of hunting stories
“He nearly made it to 100.” That phrase has been shared throughout the Pee Dee, as friends and family of Albert L. “ Juny” James, Jr., shared the story of a long life well lived.
Juny was known by nearly everyone in Darlington; whether you knew him for his long career as an attorney (still practicing in his late 90’s), his love of hunting at Damon’s Gun Club, or for his warm smile and chuckle, to know him was to love him.
Just two short days before he died, Mr. James was honored by the American Legion Post #13 in Darlington with a Certificate of Honor. As he accepted the framed plaque and copy of Tom Brokaw’s book, “The Greatest Generation,” he smiled as the attendees gave him a standing ovation.
“I am quite proud of this,” he said as he sat back down, sharing a big smile. “I’m one hundred and counting.”
As Grady Weaver, Commander of American Post 13 remarked, “He raised fine young men and prepared the way for all of us to have tremendous freedom. We present this in recognition of grateful appreciation for serving in the United States Armed Forces and making freedom and democracy, liberty and independence available to all.”
In World War II, Mr. James served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel and in the European Theater, where he participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy and was awarded the Invasion Arrowhead, five Battle Campaign Stars, the Bronze Star, and the French Croix de Guerre. He held the rank of Major.
In a story in the News and Press about hunting in 2013, he shared that when he returned home from the war it was nearly Thanksgiving; the first thing he did was to go hunting at Damon’s.
“I saw the most beautiful things when I was in Europe,” he said. “But all I wanted to do was come back home.”
July 8, 2016
McFarland brothers perish in Myrtle Beach
Family and friends of two Darlington boys are grieving after a tragic drowning incident took the lives of 17-year-old Mikease McFarland and his 12-year old brother Miyon last week.
Around 4 pm on Wednesday, July 6, three members of the McFarland family – reportedly including Mikease, his little brother Miyon, and their 20 year-old sister Mikeia – were witnessed in distress in the ocean near 43rd Avenue North in Myrtle Beach.
While Mikeia was able to return to shore on her own, Mikease was rescued by lifeguards and given CPR on the beach, and was then taken to Grand Strand Hospital. After a short period on life support, Mikease died Friday, July 8.
As of press time, the body of 12-year-old Miyon has not been recovered.
When word of the tragedy began to spread, community members offered prayers and reflections, reaching out to memorialize the boys on social media.
“I am often the witness to many tragic events in people’s lives. It is a sad and terrible burden of the job public safety takes on. However it has been many years since my heart has been so moved by such a sudden and terrible loss as this one. Both of these young men were taken in a single afternoon from the McFarland Family. There is nothing as devastating as the loss of a child by a parent. The loss of two as one time is almost too much to bear I am sure. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers,” wrote Darlington Police Chief Danny Watson on Facebook.
Darlington High School marching band director Brendon L. Johnson also shared his thoughts online with a poem marking the loss of the beloved student he called “Marching Mikease.”
“Marching Mikease never missed a beat; Filled with love, compassion and pride; Mikease had a presence that couldn’t be denied. Although he may seem far away, just know that he’s Marching up the King’s Highway,” Johnson wrote.
November 18, 2016
Remembering Jean Taylor
Friends, colleagues and former students shared their profound sadness in the loss of Jean Byrd Taylor, who passed away on November 18, 2016. Taylor had been employed by the Darlington County School District since 1973, and had been the principal of St. John’s Elementary School for the past 25 years.
Below, we share memories that were sent to us and shared on our Facebook page.
Julie Howle:
Over the past week, I’ve walked and ridden by St. John’s Elementary more than I have in the past six years since I retired. After working for someone for eighteen years and both of my children attended SJE, I guess I just felt a need to reminisce a bit. I didn’t know her as Jean, I knew her only as “Mrs. Taylor.”
Each time I rode or walked by it was a crisp, fall picture perfect day. I was drawn to walk by “her” impeccable office, “her” cafeteria, “her” grounds, “her” parking space, and “our” little home away from home”. I “reflected” (a word she used quite frequently) about the many fall festivals, The Terrific Kids’ Programs, the Lt. Governor’s Writing Contests, the graduations, the AR Competitions, The Battle of the Books, the first day of school pulling our wagons loaded down with materials and agendas on a scorching hot August day, the handbook, the fire drills, the faculty volleyball games, the dreaded rainy day bus duties, the author visits, the joy and excitement of the last day of school before Christmas Break.
Over the years, I had made a list of some of her common quotes for the big fanfare when she retired.
Her first day regimen, ” Get ‘em in, get ‘em fed, and get ‘em safely on the right bus home.”
“Remember when you are at the grocery store or in the aisles at Walmart that you are representing St. John’s Elementary”,
“Change is constant.”
“Teach with vigor.”
“Engage the students.”
“Embrace this new opportunity.”
Mrs. Taylor witnessed some of my highest moments and some of my lowest moments. She was demanding, but never ever expected anything from me, or others, that she wouldn’t have done herself. Thankful to have had the privilege of working for such a devoted, dedicated, and hard-working lady!
Whit James:
I went to St. John’s from kindergarten to 6th grade. I am 29 now and still cherish the memories I have from that school. She was an amazing principal and person in general. She had such a huge impact on so many young lives and will be greatly missed
Diane Wells Griggs Kea
She was the sweetest person and Principal. I did quite a bit of substitute teaching for St. John’s Elementary under her leadership. You will be missed.
Cindy Redick:
I’ve known Jean many many years. I have many wonderful memories, but the one that stands out in my mind the most was a camping trip at Pirateland. We were all having a great time and our trip was cut short by an emergency phone call. We had to pack up quickly to head home. Jean and Lee jumped right in to lend a helping hand. While Lee helped with the big stuff, Jean helped out with the grandkids telling them wonderful stories and sharing amazing facts about the most simple things. I will never forget that day and the kindness she showed to us. Her gentle spirit and her love for GOD was always evident. She will be greatly missed, but she lives on in the many lives she’s touched in this community. One thing for sure, Jean Taylor will never be forgotten.
Missy Anne Harman:
I went to SJE kindergarten thru third grade and she was always very nice and caring, she loved all her students. You will be dearly missed and loved my deepest sympathy goes out to her family.
Verónica Gallo-Bambery:
There are no words. She was kind, caring, a great leader, a committed educator. The S.C. education system has lost one of the best.
