James Belue

On Thursday, September 4, 2014, James "Jim" L. Belue, 86, of Boiling Springs, SC, passed away after a lengthy illness. He died as he lived life-with great humor, generosity, integrity, and faith. Born June 2, 1928, in Spartanburg County, SC, Jim was destined to be a farmer, growing up in a farming community, and learning to pack peaches at age 6. He met his true love and soul mate, Betty Bagwell, at church, and they married in 1950. In 1962, Jim and Betty established JL Belue Farms peach-packing business which quickly expanded into a thriving agricultural and cattle business, as well as Belue Farms store on Parris Bridge Road. Over the years, Belue Farms employed 100's of employees, many of them working their first job. Passionate about a job well-done, Jim enjoyed mentoring young workers and teaching them the value of farming and hard work. He was also a gifted matchmaker, pairing countless employees, many of them marrying and raising families of their own. Jim loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family, his prized Black Angus cows and his farm (usually in that order). He never met a stranger, and gladly shared a warm smile, quick wit, and conversation with all he met. Survivors include Jim's wife, Betty; son, Mike Belue (Ann), daughter, Harriett Belue (L.D. Peeler); grandson, Elliott Skaggs; brother, Cecil Lancaster (Helen) of Spartanburg, SC; sister-in-law, Celia Belue of Spartanburg, SC; four step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by two sisters, Anne Belue Montanari and Jackie Lancaster Lemmons; and two brothers, Perry Belue and David Lancaster. Visitation will be 1:00-3:15 PM Sunday, September 7, 2014, at Boiling Springs First Baptist Church, 3600 Boiling Springs Rd., Boiling Springs, SC 29316. A funeral to celebrate Jim's life will follow at 3:30 PM, at the church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Hank Williams, the Rev. Bobby Lindsey, and Mrs. Jayne McQueen. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals Service, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304 online at www.mobile-meals.org/donate/; Greater Spartanburg Ministries, 680 Asheville Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303; SC Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Fund, PO Box 754, Columbia, SC 29202; or a charity of one's choice. The family thanks the following caregivers for their kindness and special care shown to Mr. Jim during the last year: Rhonda Robbins, Mary Agnes Johnson, Justine Crossin, and Edith Kinder. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel, the family invites anyone to come and view there. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James L. Belue please visit our Sympathy Store.