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It is with deep sorrow that Mrs. Claudette Seymour Easterling and her family announce the death of her beloved husband, Dr. James McFarland "Jimmy" Easterling, Jr. Dr. Easterling entered into rest on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 72. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 1 o'clock on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at First Baptist Church, with The Rev. Danny L. Winburn officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Funeral Home. Dr. Easterling was born on Monday, December 21, 1953, in Hartsville, SC. He is the son of the late James McFarland Easterling, Sr. and the late Dorothy Dell Snipes Easterling. Jimmy lived a vibrant, full life defined by adventure, hard work, service, and deep love for family and the land. A man of many talents, he approached everything he did with passion and determination. In his youth, Jimmy thrived in the rodeo world. He won numerous barrel racing competitions, performed “Cowboy Pickup” alongside his brother Carroll, and even took on the daring role of rodeo clown for extra fun and flair. While still in school, he honed his skills in auto bodywork and painting cars, earning money to support his college ambitions. He earned a degree in chemistry from Francis Marion University before receiving a rugby scholarship to Life Chiropractic College. His rugby team achieved national championships and competed successfully across Europe. Jimmy graduated from Life in 1986 and established his private chiropractic practice, where he helped countless patients for decades. He even published a book titled "The Healthy Alternative." The day he graduated from chiropractic school, he came home to show his mother his rough, calloused hands from performing body work on cars, and he quickly told her they would never look like this again! Deeply committed to his community, he was an active member of the Jaycees, Kiwanis, and many other service organizations. He married Ann Howle Easterling, with whom he had three sons, Matthew, Michael (who preceded him in death), and J. Mac (Jada). Later in life, he married his lifelong friend and love, Claudette Seymour Easterling, and together they shared a beautiful chapter centered on home and family. Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and watching ballgames. In his later years, he poured his energy into his beloved homestead. He raised American Wagyu cattle, developed a private label for “Kobe Style” beef, cultivated expansive gardens, and spent many joyful days canning the bounty of the harvest. Walking the pasture and tending the land brought him profound peace and purpose. He is survived by his devoted wife, Claudette Seymour Easterling; sons, Matthew Easterling and J. Mac Easterling (Jada); his former wife and mother of his children, Ann Howle Easterling; three beautiful granddaughters, Chloe, Lilly, and PJ; and a grandson, Baby James, expected in August. He is also survived by his sisters, Rita Brand (Ronnie), Marilyn Winburn (Danny), and Tammy Fletcher (Alan); his brother, Carroll Easterling (Cindy), along with many nieces, nephews, and friends whose lives he touched with lasting memories and impressions. He also leaves behind his fierce guard dog, Lola, and a herd of Japanese Wagyu cattle. Jimmy’s final two weeks were spent in the hospital, where his last words were a heartfelt “I want to go home.” His family honored that wish, bringing him back to the farm, his homestead he loved so dearly. He spent his final night on earth at the farm surrounded by loved ones.

Tributes

Dr. James McFarland Easterling Jr.

December 21, 1953 - June 27, 2026