James Thomas Floyd, Sr.

Obituary For James Thomas Floyd, Sr.

James “JT” Thomas Floyd, Sr. age 87, of Simpsonville SC, followed God's angels to Heaven that were sent for him on October 19th, 2023.

James was the son of the late Willie James Floyd and Clairrender Ferguson Floyd, born on November 16, 1935, in Laurens, SC. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. James was preceded in death by siblings: William Arthur Floyd, Henrietta Floyd Massey, Alvin Howard Floyd, Lizzie Floyd Miles, and Claire Floyd Porter.

Educated in the public schools of Laurens County, James graduated from Sanders High School in 1957. He was affectionately known as “Boot” since his early years. James was a phenomenal athlete, excelling in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and track. As a student-athlete, he received many accolades, including Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics awards. As a graduating senior, he was tied for top honors and was one of three graduation ceremony speakers. He received the Alpha oratorical scholarship and a full athletic scholarship to play football at Allen University in Columbia, SC.

While attending Allen University on a football scholarship, James also played basketball and baseball, and was an honor student. As an undergraduate student, he joined Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated and became the president of that chapter. James graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Allen and returned to Sanders High School to coach football, basketball, and baseball, and he also taught Chemistry. James later completed a two-year tenure in the United States Army, and then attended Tuskegee University and obtained a master’s degree in chemistry. He continued his coaching and teaching career at Beck High School, in which his greatest pride was to put at least one student in a four-year college each year of coaching and never having a losing season.

James left teaching to pursue a career in chemical engineering and research and development. He worked with Union Carbide and later W.R. Grace Corporations (Cryovac). James was also the primary owner of F&M Development Inc. and James T. Floyd Construction.

James served the community through various organizations and held several civic leadership roles including the Management Advisory Committee for Greenville Technical College, Housing Foundation Board of Directors, Furman University Paladin Club Board of Directors, Boy Scouts of America District Director, Key Legislative, and his Blue and White family, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Throughout his lifetime, he also participated in civil rights activism, and participated in the memorable "MARCH FROM SELMA TO MONTGOMERY" with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in 1965.

James advanced through the ranks of Phi Beta Sigma Inc. He was acknowledged for his genius and ability by being the elected office of Southeastern Regional Director and as the 25th International President. He was elected as the 99th member of the Distinguished Service Chapter of the Fraternity. A further singular honor was the establishment of the Southeastern Region James T. Floyd Hall of Fame. James was also responsible for initiating the first National Miss Phi Beta Sigma Inc, beauty pageant, directed the incorporation of the Phi Beta Sigma Inc. Credit Union, and originated the first national oratorical and debate scholarship program for undergraduates.

James received numerous awards and special recognition: Ebony Magazine's 100 Most Influential Blacks in America, Minority Bigger and Business Award, Outstanding Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans, Piedmont Athletic Association Hall of Fame, Arkansas Traveler (awarded by Governor Bill Clinton), Palmetto Gentleman (awarded by Governor Carole Campbell), Special Black Media Award, Who’s Who in the South and Southeast, and others.

James was a long-time faithful member of Springfield Baptist Church. He served as Chairman of the Budget Committee for over 15 years and most recently served as Trustee.

Those who will love, miss, and cherish him forever are his loving wife Dr. Barbara Floyd, of the home; five children, James (Belinda) Floyd Jr. of Greer, SC, Norman (Marsha) Floyd of Manchester, TN, Kimberly Floyd of Greenville, SC, Javonda Floyd Jones of Lebanon, TN, and Dr. Brittanie Floyd of Raleigh, NC; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his siblings, Dr. Jeremiah (Clara) Floyd of Bethesda, MD, Joseph (Mildred) Floyd of Greenville, SC, Johnnie Floyd of Laurens, SC, and Dr. Michael (Monica) Floyd of Townsend, TN; his mother-in-law Willie Mae Brown, his sister-in-law Grace (David) Burns of Greenville, SC, and many nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends.

VISITATION - Friday
October 27, 2023
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Floyd Family Funeral Home
202 Caroline Street
Laurens, SC 29360

FUNERAL SERVICE - Saturday
October 28, 2023
2:00 PM
Springfield Baptist Church
600 East McBee Avenue
Greenville, SC 29601-2939

Interment (immediately after service)
Duncan Creek Baptist Church Cemetery
672 Duncan Creek Church Road
Laurens SC 29360