James A. Reneke

James (Jim) Allen Reneke died on August 2, 2024 at age 86. The third son of Eleanor Cusic Reneke and Calvin Arpen Reneke, he was born on September 21, 1937 in Jacksonville, FL. Despite childhood hardships, he knew the love and care of his devoted mother and often regaling his own kids with tales of growing up in Florida— from shrimping on the St. Johns River to cooling off in the local swimming hole frequented by the enormous alligator, Ol’ Joe.

He was preceded in death by his siblings— Frank (Sally), Bill (Stephanie), and Martha (Wilbur). He is survived by his sister-in-law, Stephanie and nine nieces and nephews. Throughout his life he remained very close to his siblings often visiting and vacationing with them. 

Survived by his second wife of 34 years, Sue Sutton Reneke, and his four children by his first wife (Ellen Samann Reneke) — Paul A., Margaret E., Stephen E. (Jennifer), Laura K., and grandchildren — Ethan and Eliza.

Jim considered Sue’s family as his own and is survived by her children — Carol (Don), Baxter (Tracy), and Susan (Greg); grandchildren — Brittney, Christopher, Austin, Alex, Trent, Natalie, and Baxter III; and great grandchildren — Tripp and Biff.

After earning his Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Jim built his career as a professor of mathematics at Clemson University, 1966-2006. He loved being a mathematician and was always eager to explain how math was fundamental to modern life. Even during holidays and while on vacation he could often be found sitting quietly with a yellow pad of paper working on a math problem.

As much as he loved math, he enjoyed a range of other interests and knew the importance of having fun to a life well-lived. Jim was an avid sailor and was active for many years in the Western Carolina Sailing Club and the Clemson University Sailing Club. He loved racing his Thistle sailboat on Lake Hartwell especially with one of his kids as crew. He fed his love of nature on camping trips, hiking, and walking on the beach. Edisto Island in particular held a special place in his heart. Later in life, Jim and Sue took every opportunity to travel visiting many National Parks, including Yellowstone, and making several trips to Europe.

He was a life-long Lutheran and an active member of the University Lutheran Church in Clemson since 1966. The Church was always one of the social anchors in his life and was the place he felt connected to his family who had already passed on.

A memorial service for Jim will be held Saturday August 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM at University Lutheran Church, 111 Sloan St, Clemson, SC 29631. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to University Lutheran Campus Ministry or Clemson Community Care.