James "Jimmy" Newton McQueen

James Newton “Jimmy” McQueen died Sunday, June 2, 2024, at home, surrounded by his family. There is nothing else on earth he would have wanted. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 5, at 11 AM at Burroughs Funeral Home in Bennettsville. Visitation will follow.

Jimmy was born August 7, 1940, in Bennettsville to John Spears McQueen and Mable Newton McQueen. He was an only child. He attended Fletcher Memorial School, where the home-cooked meals made such an impression on him that he still talked about them at age 83 and graduated from McColl High School. He attended the University of South Carolina, but being a man who loved being home, he did not stay the whole four years.

Instead, he came back to Marlboro County and married Lucy Lynn “Cinda” Breeden in 1967. They had two children who were blessed with the best parents they could hope to have. As a young married man and father, he sold dry goods for HJ Rubin and Sons out of Columbia. He traveled the back roads of South Carolina calling on small country stores, but he always made sure he could come home every night to his family.

Later, he decided to follow his heart and become a farmer. This is how most of us remember him, and it was his true vocation. He loved the land, being outside, and tending things. If you ever saw a weed in one of his fields, it was only because he hadn’t seen it yet himself. He also worked at HJ Munnerlyn when he wasn’t farming and enjoyed many friendships that he made there.

As anyone who knew him can attest, Jimmy loved to talk. He was witty and self-deprecating and quick with a one-liner for any situation. He was also wise and humble. He loved animals and always had pets, including several very spoiled dogs who went on truck rides every Sunday to McDonalds for a plain hamburger.

Earlier in his life, he did some woodworking, building toys for his children and kitchen cabinets for his own home and his in-laws’. In later years, his hobbies became word search puzzles, listening to his weather scanner, and watching endless re-runs of Andy Griffith and Matlock. He worked hard until his health wouldn’t let him keep on.

He loved his church, Pine Grove Methodist, and served in various capacities over the years including lay speaker and usher. He most loved getting hugs from the children of the church, and he loved holding court in the front yard after the Sunday services. As long as he was able, he could always be found on the back pew on Sunday mornings, tapping his watch if the sermon went on too long.

More than anything, he loved his family. If you saw Jimmy anywhere around town, you probably saw Cinda too. He never wanted to be away from her if he didn’t have to be. His children were his pride and joy. He worked hard to make sure they were provided for, but more importantly, they always knew they were loved. He loved his church family too, especially the children, and all the friends who became his family.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 57 years. Cinda McQueen, a son, James Newton McQueen Jr. (Jen), a daughter, Lynn McQueen, and two grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Pine Grove Methodist Church, C/O Earl Hood, 2273 Hwy. 177 Wallace SC 29596.

Online condolences may be made @ www.bfhbennettsville.com

Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the McQueen family.

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