Brian David James

AIKEN, SC- Mr. Brian David James, 82, passed away at home Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Brian was born June 16, 1943, in Cheltenham, England, and raised in Longlevens, Gloucester, England; he was the son of the late Harold Leslie and Enid Mary Kingston James.

Brian was so beloved by his three surviving daughters, who were by his side until the very end, Sarah James (Steve), of Frampton on Severn, Brittany J. Free (Robby), of Aiken, and Sheaffer Kingston James, of Greenville; six grandchildren he cherished, Yasmin (Frazer) and Jude, who knew him affectionately as Grampy America, and Heath, Mary Anne, Finley, and Clayton, who adored their Poppy; and his lovely great granddaughter, Ottilie. His older brother, Graham James, preceded him in death.

During an apprenticeship, he began at the age of 16 with Dowty Rotol, Brian ultimately earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a supplement in Electrical Engineering. His strong work ethic afforded him an engineering position with Bryce Berger, later Lucas-Bryce, where he progressed to become a Senior Marketing and Sales Engineer of fuel injection systems for large diesel engines. Holding this Senior position, he was offered the opportunity to come to the US and break into the North American market, which ultimately led him to Greenville, SC in the early 1980’s. He later worked for Sardello, Inc., and ultimately retired as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. He was proud to obtain US citizenship in 2018.

He was a lifelong fan of sport, playing football and cricket throughout his youth in England. He enjoyed Braves baseball, Gamecock football and never missed a Sunderland match.

Brian was an avid golfer, with 8 holes in one over his 4 decades of play. He was a long time member of Holly Tree Country Club in Simpsonville, SC, until a skills course made him change course, joining Fox Run Country Club until moving to Aiken, SC in 2020, where he became a member of The Aiken Golf Club.

He was a long time supporter of Sunderland A.F.C., watching them win the FA Cup Final in 1973 at Wembley Stadium in London. Last summer, Brian traveled for the first time to the Stadium of Light to watch Sunderland play in their home stadium, even meeting some of the players from the 1973 winning team. He was overjoyed to watch Sunderland win the playoff final and be promoted to the Premier League in May. “Ha’way the Lads!”

A wonderful man, with a classic style and a quick-witted and dry sense of English humor, he always appreciated quality over quantity. He loved a good cigar, a glass of Pinot Noir, and a rare Chateaubriand steak. Ever the craftsman, he was most proud of the Slad Road house he built in England. He had an amazing group of friends, both here and across the pond, whom he loved dearly and who will miss him just as much.

A celebration (or three) in memory of Brian will be held, where we can raise a glass and honor him with stories of the great man he was, and the full life that he lived.

In lieu of flowers, please bring your best stories and pictures of dad.

Details regarding a celebration will be forthcoming.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC