With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of James McDowell, 78, of Brooklyn, NY, formerly of Olanta, SC, who passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Life Reflections

James Curtis "Jay" McDowell, the sixth of eleven children, was born on June 23rd, 1946, in Sumter County, South Carolina to the late Garris McDowell and Mary Taylor McDowell.

JC, as he was affectionately known, received his education within the Sumter County school system. He worked at Cox Fix Motor, West Evans Body Shop, and Horne Ford, all in Florence, SC.

In need of a change in scenery, in 1969, JC moved to Brooklyn, NY to be with his brothers and uncles and joined them in working as a  delivery driver for Brown & Brown Cab Service.

Jay was determined and hardworking, a tradesman with so many talents. He could build you a house from the ground up, but you would be in the dark because Jay wasn't messing with no electricity.

Jay had an infectious smile, a great sense of humor, and was charming. He would tell you what was on his mind, straight, no chaser. He was a friend to those he encountered and was always willing to help or give somebody a ride.

In 1976, Jay married Rose, and from that union, three children were born, Kisha, Anthony, and Tracy.

Jay loved to get dressed up, put on "his suit" and hat, and knew he was "Cleaner than the Board of Health," as he would say. You could always catch him on the dance floor, shaking a tail feather. He always had a saying, if it wasn't "A wise man can play as a fool but a fool can't play as a wise man" or " Listen to me, and listen to me good" then it was " As sure as chicken don't wear no shoes!"

On March 13, 1984, while Jay was driving cab, he met his life partner and his love, Jan or Jane, as he called her, for over 40 years. From this union, four children were born, Janiece, James II, Patricia, and Steven, and this completed their family.

Jay enjoyed cooking and was an avid music lover, especially those" Down Home Blues." He would play his "sounds" and put him a pot of "Beans and some Neck Bones" on. The kitchen was his sanctuary and where he would teach everybody who came in there about "The Facts of Life."

Jay loved spending time with family and friends, whether it was going home to South Carolina or going to the "The Lot" on Monroe St. There was always work to be done and good times to be had at The Lot. Whether he was fixing a car, cooking food on the grill, or just shootin' the breeze. He shared two businesses with his brother, Boy, his right hand, and partner in crime. "McDowell's Country Kitchen" and "Ralph Avenue Soul Food" are both based out of Brooklyn, NY, where you could always get you some good 'ole chopped BBQ!

Jay's health began declining in 2017, but that didn't stop him. He had the courage of a lion and a strong sense of pride. Every day, he would get up and go to work, either a car needed painting or a leaky pipe needed to be fixed.

On Thursday, March 6, Jay completed his final job, and the Lord welcomed him home to reunite him with his parents, siblings, and grandson.

Jay will forever be remembered for his sayings, his smile, and his suits. His memories will be cherished forever by: his wife, Janet; his children, Willie James (Cynthia), Willie, Joseph (Gloria), Sheryl, Robin (James), Kisha (RaShawn), Anthony (Yasin), Tracy (JC), Janiece (Aaron), James Jr., Patricia, and Steven (Jody); bonus daughter, Cristina and goddaughter, Dorlicia; 28 grandchildren; 28 great-grand children; one brother, Jerome (Bobbie Jean); three sisters, Lillie Dell, Mary (John L) and Betty Ann; two daughters-in-love, Diane and Wanda; two sons-in-love, Shawn and Towan; cousin and best friend, Tiny; seven sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law;  three aunts; Cookie, his cat; and a host of loving family and friends.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Lake City, SC. 843-354-2292.