A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF JAMES WINSTON ROQUEMORE OF ORANGEBURG AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Winston "Jim" Roquemore of Orangeburg on July 9, 2026; and

 

Whereas, born in Lakeland, Georgia in 1955, Jim was the son of the late William Alexander Roquemore and Nell Patten Roquemore. His real work experience began in the tobacco field when he was five years old. He would go on to attend Valdosta State College, and learn the values of hard work, family, and integrity that would guide him throughout his life; and

 

Whereas, Roquemore's great-grandfather started Patten Seed in 1883. One hundred years later, Roquemore moved to Orangeburg to join the family business. In 1997, Roquemore assumed the helm of the company and served with distinction as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Patten Seed Company, widely known by its tradename, Super-Sod. Under his visionary guidance and leadership, the company expanded from its roots as a small general store to become one of the premier producers of turfgrass sod and seed; and

 

Whereas, during his brilliant career, Roquemore was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the state's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto. He was inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame, named Orangeburg Citizen of the Year, was a major supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, and received the Silver Beaver Award and District Merit Award. Ever civic minded, he mentored many business people and budding entrepreneurs; and

 

Whereas, in addition to his many honors, Roquemore served on a number of industry boards that included a stint as director of SCANA, director of South State Bank, former chairman of the South Carolina Conservation Bank board, and past president of the Orangeburg Economic Partnership. He served on the Clemson University Board of Visitors and the Coker College Board of Visitors, where he also received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters; and

 

Whereas, a man deeply committed to his community, his lasting impact was recognized locally, notably through the Roquemore Auditorium at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, the venue where his life was celebrated by family, friends, and dignitaries following his passing. He and his wife hosted visitors and exchange students from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. He attempted to learn basic phrases for every country to which he traveled so that he could be gracious. He considered people from all walks of life as dear friends; and

 

Whereas, a man of profound faith, his greatest accomplishment was his walk with Christ. He read and studied the Word daily and always searched for the Lord's counsel through his study. James Winston Roquemore left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ leaving to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Karen Bembry Roquemore; his children, James Winston Roquemore Jr., Martha Nell Roquemore Burleson and her husband Matt, and Laura Anne Roquemore McLaurin and her husband Hugh; and his beloved grandchildren, Emma Grace, Winston Wallace, Hugh Chumbley V, James Winston III, Rosemary Eloise, and Stirling Alexander; and

 

Whereas, he also will be greatly missed by his brothers, Rocky and Bob; his sister, Lee; and a host of extended family members, colleagues, and friends; and

 

Whereas, the people of South Carolina were made better by the life and labors of Jim Roquemore. His dedication to his family, his agricultural business acumen, and his community service will not soon be forgotten. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of James Winston Roquemore of Orangeburg and extend their deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Karen Bembry Roquemore, on behalf of the family.

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