Obituary of James Castleman

James N. Castleman, age 84, of Pawleys Island, SC, & formerly of Wyandotte, Michigan, died in his home on April 25th. Born on December 28, 1928 in Brownsboro, Alabama, to the late David Castleman and Elsie Walker Shadrick, Jim moved to Michigan at a young age. He attended River Rouge High School, Michigan State Normal College (EMU) and the University of Michigan, earning degrees in education and business. Jim worked for Wyandotte Public Schools 1954-1987, first as a high school business teacher and later as the district business manager. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jim's most treasured memories were of his family. He especially loved the time spent at the Michigan cottage on Lakeville Lake. Always driven to serve the Detroit area community, Jim served for over 30 years on advisory boards of the Downriver Salvation Army, Metropolitan Salvation Army, and the Downriver YMCA. He was also a member of the Downriver Kiwanis Club. Jim's first priority was to serve his Lord Jesus Christ, striving to do so in all aspects of his life. Active in church, Jim served as a deacon most recently at First Baptist of Georgetown and Beacon Baptist (Taylor, MI). Jim was also a long time member of Gideons International, first in Downriver Detroit and later in Georgetown, SC. A natural athlete, Jim played high school basketball & football. He was a passionate University of Michigan sports fan. Jim is preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Ann Wilson and son, Jonathan Mark. He is also preceded in death by his brother, William Gene Castleman. He is survived by his wife, Ada (Traylor), with whom he would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this August. Jim is also survived by 3 children: James D. Castleman (Kim Richter); Susan E. Castleman (Rick Hazey); and William N. Castleman, 6 grandchildren: David, Daniel, Thomas, Amanda, Ryann, and Regan, 3 step-grandchildren: Brian, Joseph, and Kelly, sister Barbara Marie (Don Sheridan), sister Cindy Castleman, sister-in-law Edna Castleman, and many nieces & nephews. Heartfelt thanks to the special people at Heartland Hospice Services of Conway, SC. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 28th, 5-8 at the Graham Funeral Home in Georgetown, SC. The funeral will be held at 11 am Monday, April 29th, at First Baptist Church of Georgetown with burial following at Elmwood Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Friday, May 3, at Beacon Baptist Church in Taylor, MI. The family asks that donations in Jim's memory please be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 1493, Georgetown, SC 29442 or First Baptist Church, 219 Cleland St., Georgetown, SC 29440 Graham Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. www.grahamfuneralhome.org