Mr. James L. Mann, II
James L. Mann, II
May 28, 1940 – September 5, 2021
Jimmy Mann was the most unique, most colorful child, brother, father or friend anyone could ever have. When he died at 81 on September 5, nearly everyone he ever met cried for a while, then turned to someone else to tell a Jimmy Mann Story. Many of these ended in the unselfconscious, joyful laughter that he often used to end a wild tale or bawdy joke. Others recounted unforgettable acts of generosity, bursts of eloquent prose, obscure historical and political narratives charged with opinions and eerily factual.
He was the dad who would take you fishing and recite from memory long Dylan Thomas poems, or chain smoke on the screened porch and wax on about Kissinger’s China policy, the theory of relativity, the breeding and care of honeybees, Caesar’s Gallic Wars (which he read in the original Latin) and roses. His colleagues in the legal field admired or feared the power of his mind as well his gifted eloquence and common touch with juries. Friends and neighbors across South Carolina trusted Jimmy to confront their legal challenges. If he couldn’t solve them, he would explain why in plain English, and that meant a lot.
He never met a needy client he said no to, agreeing to an informal barter system when people were short of funds, or helping for free if there was nothing they could offer as payment. He coached debate teams, whether paid or not, because he loved turning smart kids into effective speakers and advocates. And he offered wise advice to anyone who would listen. Jimmy’s gift was his extraordinary mind, and he shared it often.
He also had a huge, often wicked sense of humor. At the age of just 8 he and his younger brother sometimes sneaked over to a neighbor’s farm to steal watermelons. One day the farmer posted a large sign saying, “One of these watermelons is poisoned.” Not to be outwitted by the farmer, Jimmy took a pen and changed it to say “Two.” He knew every lawyer joke, pondered absurd misbehaviors throughout history, and chronicled his own life with wit and self-deprecation. He could tell an embarrassing story about you, in front of you, with such obvious love, free of judgment, that you would laugh with everyone else, and maybe feel a little absolved.
When he died unexpectedly on September 5, during an overnight hospitalization for observation, he was eager to get home to watch football, share his scuppernongs with friends and family, and tell fun stories to, and about, his six grandchildren. He was as happy as we had ever seen him, content in the love that he had helped create, and that we will always have with us.
Time let me hail and climb
Golden in the heydays of his eyes,
And honored among wagons I was
Prince of the apple towns
From Fern Hill by Dylan Thomas
James Lewis Mann, II is preceded by: his sister Amelia Moss Mann. He is survived by: his brother, Thomas Chastain Mann; his sister, Helen Mann Marini; daughter, Chastain Mann; sons, James Moss Mann, II and Jenkins McMillan Mann; and six loving grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by all those who knew him.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I coached Moss Mann in YMCA soccer on the Harrell Hill state championship team.
A bunch of country boys we whipped them all for several years.
Jimmy treated me like a God every time I saw him or every time he represented me in court. He greatly appreciated the influence I had on his son. Still not sure why. I was blessed for his kindness and friendship. God surly has his hands full now that Jimmy is there to debate him.
I loved Jimmy Mann and Moss Mann
I was fortunate to have been represented by Jimmy on several occasions and have proud and respectful memories of his counsel.
I often arrived at Jimmy’s office prior to a hearing and soon learned that I had to lay back while Jimmy artfully completed his soon due pleading at his own pace. Reba would pull his dictation from her typewriter and it was always brilliant. His court demeanor was another wonder to behold and I took great comfort that he was handling my case.
We also developed a friendship which I’m sure was a kinship that all of his client’s felt. I also felt he may have afforded me a little extra attention because my wife, Kristi, was part of the Providence team that restored his soul during a successful heart procedure.
Witty, knowledgeable, charming, and most deserving of his reputation as a staunch defender. Truly a one of a kind individual who will never be replaced. I’ll call you if I get to heaven and wait patiently for you to return my call.
God bless you and your family.
I fondly remember all the lunches at Grouchos with JImmy and the Wootens, listening to Jimmy tell stories and smoking. And, as an asst solicitor, trying to get him to court, ha.
He was one of a kind. They don’t make ’em like Jimmy anymore. I know he will be missed by many.
My sincere condolences.
I was so sorry to hear about Jimmy. I remember him so well when I was a court reporter for the 5th Judicial Circuit. My prayers are with all of the family at this trying time. God Bless.
Jimmy was once married to a friend and neighbor in Snelling. Later in life, I entered law school at age 39. I took a class from Jimmy and his first question to me was to show him my pocket knife as he knew that all of us boys from Barnwell County carried one.
I am so sorry to find out today about Jimmy’s passing. He gave me a great opportunity as a young lawyer and taught me so much about what it takes to be a good lawyer. I am most appreciative. We also had much fun. I send my condolences to his family especially Lyn Marini, Tommy, and Amy who preceded Jimmy. My thoughts are with his children too. I will miss Jimmy. Terry Wooten
Jimmy taught me in Law School. After graduation, we were lifelong friends. As a Lawyer he was a Legend. When I heard of his passing I felt such loss. Deepest Sympathy is extended to his family.
Garry Wooten
Tommy sorry about the death of Jimmy ; been years since I have seen you but thoughts and prays with you; remember having Jimmy in court in. Lexington. J. C. Buddy nicholson
They don’t make them like Jimmy any more. I had the great luck to know him from my days at Dreher, as a fellow lawyer for many years and as a judge (he appeared in the Municipal Court fairly often). He was remarkable in every way: smart, witty, clever, knowledgeable, and always kind and generous.
Jimmy was an outstanding person and and icon in the legal community. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend!
My condolences go out to the family during your time of loss. I always enjoyed working with Mr. Mann when I was a prosecutor in Richland County … always had a great sense of humor and a wonderful personality.
I WAS SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JIMMY. I HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF HE & AND MY BROTHER BUBBA JORDAN BEING TOGETHER & THERE FRIENDSHIP…RIP.
Renaissance man in best sense. RIP.
Jimmy was such a huge and amazing influence in my life and I am so grateful to have been able to have known him.
I love Jimmy for loving my Papa so well.
Eloquent memorial. I fondly and lovingly remember Jimmy from my Dreher days. What an incredible man – my love to the family.
This is really beautiful. He will be loved and missed, he was such a great person to have in my life, and it’s so hard to believe he’s gone. Still, he was one of the most remarkable people that I have ever met, and that is why losing him is so hard, but we know he lived an extraordinary life, and he loved his friends and family so very much.
I hope he and Frank Cantrell
are remembering their national debate championship and revving up to take on some unwitting heavenly foes.
Blessed be.
I want to echo what Dick and Bob wrote on Jimmy’s influence. My perspective is necessarily very personal.
One morning in September 1966, I came to Dreher for the first day of the school year and found that a class I had not signed up for, Economics and Debate, had been added to my schedule. Jimmy, I learned, had convinced the principal to let him add a few students from my class to the successful debate program he ran. I was free to drop out, but I decided to give it a try.
That development markedly changed the direction of my life. I was what now would be called a STEM nerd, destined to study physics or engineering at some institute of technology. Instead, after two years under the Jimmy’s tutelage — and the example of some outstanding people Jimmy was coaching — I was heading for a degree in philosophy and a career in the law.
That’s a big difference to make in someone’s life.
Jimmy was simply bigger than life: a quicker mind, a larger view, and a more entertaining perspective than the rest of us. You has to listen to him
Chastain, Moss, and Jenkins, you were still little back then. You may not recall those your dad coached. But he shaped many of us, almost as much as he shaped you.
Unforgettable huge influence on my life as teacher and advocate.
A great friend and gifted mind coupled with a kind soul. A rare combination that made many of us seek out his company and friendship. Miss you, Jimmy.
Jimmy was an outstanding debate coach at Dreher High School. His team won the national championship in 1967. He impacted a lot of students and will be missed.
Tommy & Family, so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed working with Jimmy in Court. He kept us entertained. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing others care.
Fondly,
Dan & Robbie DeFreese
Jimmy was an invaluable member of his many communities, including those in the legal profession, the UofSC community, and the Midlands. He was quick to help those who needed it from him. He was generous with sharing his knowledge, which was nearly encyclopedic. Whether Jimmy was called on to address history, or public policy, or sports, or horticulture, or apiculture, or just how to avoid having your car towed – he seemed to always have answer for everything. Jimmy could tell a story better than anyone I have known, and with twice the wit, and his one-liners and sense of humor made every conversation I ever had with him an easy one. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with Chastain, Moss, and Jenkins; their children; Tommy; and the rest of Jimmy’s family and friends.
You were always bigger than life. My heart felt condolences to his family, his wonderful children and their mother and his dear brother, Tommy.