James Clay Abraham, Sr.

Mr. James Clay Abraham, Sr, affectionally known as “Jimmy,” was born in Cameron, South Carolina, on January 23, 1935, to the late John and Ester Lou (Robinson)Abraham. He departed this earthly life and entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

James grew up in Orangeburg County, where he became a member of Bull Swamp Baptist Church at an early age. As a member, he was a dedicated and devoted Trustee, and a member of the Mass and  Gospel Choirs.

James began his education at Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Cameron, South Carolina, and continued his education at Wilkinson High School, and was a member of the class of 1953. He was also a member of the class steering committee class, and laid the foundation for a historical marker for the school. He attended South Carolina State College and majored in Engineering. He served his country in the U.S. Army for four years. His duty station was Fairbanks, Alaska.

As a pilar of the community, James was a licensed Master Brick Mason Building Contractor, and an esteemed business owner of Abraham Construction for many years until his retirement. He was also a respected landlord.

As an avid gardener, James shared the fruits of his labor with many friends, family, and neighbors. His hobbies included fishing, traveling, especially cruising to the Caribbean,  and spending precious time with his beloved family, especially his beautiful wife, children, granchildren, and great grandchildren. He also loved cars, especially his 1957 Chevy and his 1965 Chevy Impala.

James married the former Rebecca Rickenbacker and to this union four children were born.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; a son-in-law, Curtis Wilson; and two brothers-in-law, Saul Rickenbacker, Jr., and Eugene Rickenbacker.

He has now transitioned to his new home where he will await the arrival of those he cherished and are leaving behind. Those left with memories include his loving and devoted wife of sixty-four years, Rebecca Rickenbacker Abraham; two daughters, Mrs. Dietrich Abraham Wilson, Atlanta, Georgia, Mrs. Rhonda Abraham Darrington (Johnny), Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania; two sons, James Abraham Jr., and Antonio Abraham of Orangeburg, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Courtney Jones (Tyler), Gabrielle Darrington, Ashli Darrington, all of Atlanta, Georgia, and Tyler Darrington of Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania; two great grands Raiden and Kallyx Jones, Atlanta, Georgia;  special family friends,  Dr. Andrew and Yolanda Frinks, Atlanta, Georgia; in-laws, Shirley Wright, Gloria Hutto, Luvenia Robinson, Iona (Albert) Burton, Marshall Rickenbacker, John (Penda) Rickenbacker, Laura Mae Rickenbacker, and Maggie Rickenbacker, all of Orangeburg, South Carolina;  and  a host of other relatives and friends that will join his immediate family, sharing the many joyful and cherished moments spent with him.

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