James Thomas Roland

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James Thomas Roland, affectionately known as Jim and Jimmy, who went to Heaven on February 9, 2024 after battling a brief, terminal illness at McLeod Hospital in Florence, SC. He passed away peacefully with medical comfort and surrounded by loving family members. Born on September 11, 1956 in Jefferson, NC to the late Dale James and Hazel Jenkins Roland, Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Jim was an exceptional, hardworking man who valued faith, family, and the importance of a good heart above all else. He taught those values well, and his family members will honor his legacy by instilling those values in countless generations to come. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many who will always greatly cherish and miss him. Jim was an extremely caring person who put others before himself no matter what he was going through in his own life. Even when battling a painful, terminal illness that was not yet diagnosed, he exerted himself beyond measure to support his family and others. Jim’s strength, generosity, courage, intelligence, and perseverance were evident throughout his life in countless ways that enriched his life and those of everyone who had the honor of knowing him. He had the kind of smile that people would not only see, but feel. He often made people laugh, and he was a handy man who could fix anything. Although he will never be able to fix the broken hearts of those who suffer from losing him, he will surely continue to watch over them and bless their lives from Heaven.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Brooks Roland, son, James Nathaniel “Nathan” Roland, daughter, Natalie Roland Cowles (David), grandchildren, Destiny Roland, Ethan Cowles, and Liam Cowles, all of Florence, SC, sister, Sandra Fleenor of Greensboro, NC, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Joey McClure. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 pm prior to the funeral service.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, please, memorial contributions in Jim’s honor can be made to the family to assist with extensive medical and funeral expenses. Memorial contributions in envelopes with the family’s name can be brought to the funeral and given to the funeral director, Joshua Roten, mailed to the funeral director at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel and Gardens, or mailed directly to the family.

Words of remembrance and condolence may be sent and viewed through our website, www.ashelawn.com.

Ashelawn Memorial Chapel and Gardens was entrusted with Mr. Roland’s arrangements.