James Bryan Obituary, Death – Bryan was born on January 29, 1937 in Conway, South Carolina, to parents L.F. and Nettie Bryan. Jim earned his diploma from Conway High School, and then continued his education at Clemson University, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering in 1959.
During his time at Clemson, he was active in the R.O.T.C., the Tau Beta Pi fraternity, and was chosen to serve as the Class Treasurer. He first met the woman who would become the love of his life, Sophie (Johnson), in the Myrtle Beach Pavilion in 1958, the summer before his senior year at Clemson. They were married in August of the following year.
They stayed married for more than 63 years, through both happy and difficult times. In the 1990s, when Sophie was given a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, he took early retirement and dedicated his time to getting her healthy; together, they conquered it, and she has been cancer-free for almost 20 years.
In 1962, Jim relocated to Florida in order to begin working for Radiation Inc., which would later become the Harris Corporation. There, Jim worked for a total of 36 years before reaching the position of Director in the Government Systems Division. Jim was a devoted supporter of the Clemson Tigers in all of their athletic endeavors.
He looked forward to supporting the Tigers by making the trip to South Carolina and going to Death Valley every year. He never missed a game on TV and avidly watched the contests with his family, taking pleasure in the team’s many successes and suffering through the infrequent losses. Jim was a man who was full of wonder and adventure.
He and Sophie went on numerous adventures together, both independently and with other people. Their home is adorned with images that they took throughout their trips all around the world. He has travelled to all fifty of the states. They have traveled throughout the United States rather frequently in their car, adhering to a detailed itinerary that was mapped out in advance.
The fact that he was able to attend the Johnson Family Thanksgiving Reunion last year brought a lot of joy to everyone in the family. After moving to Florida, he was able to carry on the same outdoor activities that he had liked during his childhood in Conway. These activities included fishing, hunting, and camping.
