Dr. James Edward Seegars

Dr. James Edward Seegars, Jr., husband of Shirley Thompson Seegars for 69 years, passed away July 23, 2022 surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born in Charleston, SC on March 3, 1931 to James Edward and Lula Meree Seegars. He was pre-deceased by four sisters: Charlotte Seegars, Eleanor S. Allen (David), Evelyn S. Glover (Harold) and Barbara S. Crissey (Jack).

Dr. Seegars is survived by his wife and their seven children: Susan Harrison (Don), Kathleen Coffey (Ed), Kimberly Clayton (Ziggy), Dana Phillips (Lee), Jamie Brock, Jeannie Tate (Brian), and Jay Seegars (Anna); their fifteen grand-children: Nathan and Drew Harrison; Chase, Justin and Tyler (Wang) Coffey; Gash, Bryant and Jamie Clayton; Ali and James Brock; Evie and Maron Tate; Cate, Mason and James Seegars. Also, surviving are their thirteen great grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews.

He attended Charleston High School and was a graduate of The Citadel, class of 1953. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he received a MA from the University of South Carolina and a PhD from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Seegars was recruited as Chairman of the Psychology Department at Wofford College where he served for 37 years. The Psychology Hall, the Idea Room, and one of the upperclassmen residential houses at Wofford are named in his honor. He also maintained a private clinical practice. He was honored to serve as president of the South Carolina Psychologists Association as well as serving on many local boards of directors including, Spartanburg Mental Health, the Charles Lea Center, the York Place Episcopal Home for Children, among others. Dr. Seegars was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Advent since his arrival in Spartanburg in 1961. He served as Senior Warden on the Vestry, taught Sunday School and lead the youth group for many years.

Dr. Seegars touched the lives of many. He was a devoted husband, father, teacher and advisor. He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, July 28^th, 3:00PM at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, officiated by The Reverend Paula Griffin. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice and do something that makes you feel peaceful.