James Jefferson "Mudcat" Jowers

James Jefferson Jowers, 80, of Bamberg, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025. He was married to Irene Bishop Jowers for over 55 years. One of his best friends was gained through Irene. Doc was his not only his father-in-law but a hunting, fishing, construction project, everything and anything companion. His wife, family, and friends were the most important things in his life. Everything he did evolved around those three things.

Jeff, more commonly known as Mudcat, was born in Blackville, SC, a son of the late James Anion (44) and Muriel Virginia Hair Jowers. He was blessed to have two sisters, Ginger Bunch (Ronald) and Lennye Miller (Randy) that adored him, made sure the family remained close, and most importantly kept him up to date on the latest news.

Growing up, Jeff was an exceptional multi-sport athlete. Many lifelong friends were made from his days as a high school athlete.  Most notably was Coach Dick Weldon. Coach Weldon was a legend in his own time. Jeff absolutely worshiped the ground he walked on and was the keynote speaker at Coach Weldon’s funeral several years back. With many options, he chose to focus on football at the University of South Carolina over multi-sport offers from all over the country, including Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Texas, and LSU. Following his time as a Gamecock, Jeff was invited to participate in training camp as a punter with the Dallas Cowboys. That possibility got cut short with the Vietnam draft and a decision to enlist in the SC National Guard. He always joked that he wouldn’t have made it anyway because there were guys there that could punt the ball 60 yards with a hang time long enough for them to run down and catch it themselves.

Early on, he was an RJ Reynolds tobacco representative calling on many businesses in the state. His kids enjoyed the many advertisement freebies he always had laying around, some of which still show up in random places today.  He retired as Tax Assessor and Director of Emergency Management for Bamberg County then worked several years at the Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority on the Savannah River Site. A second retirement opened the door for his third occupation of following 5 grandchildren across the state with their various activities. He and Irene missed few events.

Jeff’s close friends are also some of the best friends of his children. He had several assumed children including a son-in law and daughter-in-law that he thought of as his own. His children’s friends were his friends. To an outsider, there was never a distinction between who was actually kin and who wasn’t. He had a keen ability to identify good people and surround himself with them. The stories and memories made together will be cherished and shared forward.

Survivors include his wife, Irene Bishop Jowers; son, J.J. (Carla) Jowers; daughter, Vanne (Brian) Sandifer; grandchildren, Muriel Jowers, Hampton Jowers, Ethan Sandifer, Isaac Sandifer and Dawson Sandifer; sisters, Ginger Bunch and Lennye (Randy) Miller; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M., Tuesday February 4, 2025 at Trinity Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 11761 Heritage Highway, Bamberg, SC 29003. A private family burial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Braedan’s Bridge, a special and personal foundation dedicated to ending Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  Braedan’s Bridge 219 N. Yondota Road, Curtice, Ohio 43412 ( https://braedansbridge.squarespace.com )

Culler-McAlhany Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.