James Edward Truesdale, Jr.

James Edward (Jimmy) Truesdale, Jr. died Sunday, February 12, in Mt. Pleasant, S. C. He was 76 years old, born on November 18, 1940, in Columbia, S. C. He was predeceased by his parents, James Edward Truesdale, Sr. and Dorothy Hodge Truesdale Horton. He attended public schools in Columbia, and was a Graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He also graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He served on the faculty of Boys State for a number of years. While in Columbia, he worked in the Trust Department of Bankers Trust. He was very involved with The Workshop Theatre in Columbia, and appeared in several of their productions.

In the 1970s, Jimmy moved to Washington, D. C., and began working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the office of Legislative Affairs, and became their Congressional Liaison until well into the 1990s. He shepherded scientists and their testimony, budgets, and the like through the legislative processes on Capitol Hill. His final post was with the Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, S. C. He was very proud of the unique and successful partnership between NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Medical University of S. C., S. C. Department of Natural Resources, and the College of Charleston.

After he retired from NOAA, he remained a citizen of Charleston. He was a lifelong Democrat and stayed involved in politics throughout his life. Jimmy lived a very full, interesting life, pursuing his love of travel, his love of opera, and his love of community, serving many civic organizations. Particularly, he enjoyed his role on the Board of Low Country Aids, which he served as President.

He is survived by his sister, Beverly Truesdale Meng, and his nephew, Bernard Boyd Meng, IV, and many cousins. His family thanks the care givers who took such special care with Jimmy at the Sandpiper Home, and most particularly the Hospice nurses who served him so well until the end. Memorial gifts may be made to Low Country Aids or a charity of choice.

Services will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, S. C., followed by a celebration of life reception at 4700 Portobello Road, in Columbia, S. C.