James A. Nettles

James Augustus Nettles, 86, of Seneca, SC, husband of Gail Gene Monte Nettles, passed away on March 19, 2025.

Born in Anderson, SC, October 20, 1938, son of the late William Carl Nettles, Sr. and Ruby M. Stevenson Nettles, Jim grew up in Clemson, SC, during World War II and recalled the “military camp atmosphere.”

In Clemson, SC, he graduated from the first class of Daniel High School (Class of 1955) and Clemson University (Class of 1960). He became a member of the Golden Tiger Society and the Benjamin Ryan Tillman Society at Clemson University; served in the Army Reserves (1955-1963); and pursued a career in pharmaceutical sales and management in the Northeast with Schering-Plough Corporation (now Merck) for 40 years. He retired in 2002, returning to the Clemson area that he had missed after many years in the Northeast. From his childhood in the 1940’s, he fondly recalled the many drives between Pendleton and Clemson in the spring as one of the most beautiful in the U. S.

In addition to enjoying retirement in South Carolina and loving Clemson Football, he filled his life with many activities and interests, including a love for travel, following exposure to Europe during numerous business trips. Although he and Gail traveled extensively to many countries in the world, he ranked the beaches of South Carolina, especially Harbor Island, as a favorite destination.

He was an amateur radio operator (W4BPM) since 1953. He collected antique cars (Fords and Volkswagens) and antique clocks. He had an avid interest in genealogy and was a member of the South Carolina Huguenot Society and the Sons of Confederate Veterans and spent many hours and travel researching his ancestral roots from South Carolina and New England back to Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Barbados, and Bermuda. He liked gardening, especially growing tomatoes, landscaping, and taking care of his koi ponds. Dogs, especially terriers, which he thought were nature’s finest creation, were always part of his family and kept him company on his daily walks.

He is predeceased by his parents, his wife, his brother and sister-in-law William C. Nettles, Jr. and Patricia Maquire Nettles, his nephew Kevin W. Plunkett, and his brother-in-law William O. Plunkett, Jr. He leaves his daughter, Catherine G. Nettles Cutter and her husband, Lester H. Cutter, III of State College, PA; son Richard F. Nettles and his wife Suzanne Vinson Nettles of Hewitt, TX; and sister Julia Donnaleen Nettles Plunket of Savannah, GA. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Corinne (Cody) Newton (Hewitt, TX), William (Madeline) Nettles (Fayetteville, AR), and Robert Nettles (Hewitt, TX), Andrew (Ciara) Cutter (Philipsburg, PA), and Emily Cutter (Clemson, SC), 5 great grandchildren, and a niece and nephew.

Interment at Old Stone Church cemetery will be private. The family requests no flowers or donations. Arrangements will be handled by Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home (Central, SC).