Jimmy Bales was a well-known educator and legislator for decades in South Carolina. | Ballotpedia.org
Jimmy Bales was a well-known educator and legislator for decades in South Carolina. | Ballotpedia.org
Jimmy Bales, a prominent former South Carolina lawmaker and educator in Richland County, died on his birthday, Sept. 25. He was 86.
Bales is remembered as a dedicated public servant as tributes from former colleagues and lifelong friends pour in on social media, according to The Charlotte Observer.
One such tribute comes from fellow state Rep. Chandra Dillard.
"It was my honor to serve with the Honorable Jimmy Bales. He was a statesman and dedicated servant of the people," Dillard tweeted Sept. 25. "Sending my condolences to his family."
The Charlotte Observer wrote in Bales' obituary: “Jimmy was a man of few, yet ever powerful words. He was the loving patriarch of the family, always providing encouragement and support to everyone in the family. He was also a true public servant, endeavoring to improve all lives he touched. He will be greatly missed.”
Bales was born Sept. 25, 1935, in Rose Hill, Virginia. He was a U.S. Army veteran, arriving to Fort Jackson in 1955.
After his service, he received his bachelor's degree from Columbia College, a master's degree from East Tennessee State University, and a doctorate in education from the University of South Carolina in 1975.
Bales was passionate about education. His professional career saw him become a principal, lawmaker, and member of the Richland County Council.
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