James Levan DesChamps, son of the late Claude DesChamps and Mamie James DesChamps, was born on July 14, 1934 in Pinewood, South Carolina.  He was the eldest child of six siblings. He departed this life on Friday, September 14, 2018 in Florence, SC.

JIM was a man of strong faith and a devoted follower of Christ.  He trusted God's will over his life as he often spoke of him ordering his steps.  In his youth, he joined New Hope U.M.E. Church- yielding to the early training and example set by his parents and following in his parents footsteps.  In New York, he attended Church of the Master Presbyterian Church.  After relocating back to South Carolina, he rejoined New Hope U.M.E Church where he served in the following capacities:  Founder of the Brotherhood Ministry at New Hope; Sunday School Teacher; member of the Benevolent and Sunday School Superintendent. Jim was a 33 Degree  Mason in Brooklyn, New York. He was an active member of the Manchester Alumni Association where he also served as Treasurer until his death.

JIM graduated from Manchester High School in 1958. Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for four years, and received an Honorable Discharge.  After serving his tour of duty in the United States Air Force, he relocated to New York City. He then married the love of his life, Frances Green of Pinewood, South Carolina.  To this union, they were blessed with four children.  He retired as a truck driver from Consolidated Freightways for over thirty years.

JIM leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted and loving children: Elaine DesChamps of New York, NY; Claudette (Shawn) Wilson of Old Bridge, NJ; Engler L. DesChamps ("Pop") of Sumter, SC;  and Tawana B. DesChamps of Sumter, SC; one grandson, Darius Wilson; one sister, Ivory Dinkins of Monroe, NJ; two brothers, Johnny DesChamps and McArthur DesChamps of Sumter, SC; one aunt, Ruby DesChamps of Bowie, MD and a host of nieces, nephews,  other relatives and many friends.

JIM was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Green DesChamps; his grandson, Sean DesChamps; his parents, Mamie James DesChamps and Claude L. DesChamps, Sr., his siblings, Roosevelt DesChamps, Hattie Mae Erwin, and Claude DesChamps, Jr.

Public Viewing will be held on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Mr. DesChamps will be placed in the church on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 10am for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Services will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at New Hope UME Church 19022 Panola Road Pinewood, SC, with Pastor Lawrence E. Myers, Sr., Officiating.

Interment will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, 315 Wendemere Drive Sumter, SC.