James Loving Pullen

James Loving Pullen, 89, of Okatie, South Carolina and formerly Rockbridge Baths, Virginia, left this life and moved on to the next on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. He was at home and surrounded by family as he embarked on his final journey.

He was born on September 30, 1933 in Harrisonburg, VA. A son of Lynwood Mays Pullen and Louise Gladys Tyree Pullen Johenning and big brother to Patricia (Patty) Pullen Kauffman. He joins them in eternal life.

Jim married his high school sweetheart Jessie Ann Ordel on August 27, 1955 in the First Methodist Church in Lexington, VA and they spent almost 68 years together. He is also survived by his son James Robert (Bob) Pullen and wife Renee; his daughter Sandra (Sannie) Pullen Duncan and husband Bruce; his granddaughter Casey Pullen Wills and husband Peter; granddaughter Chelsey Pullen Carroll and husband CW; and three great-grandchildren Jackson Wills, Lachlan Wills and Scarlett Carroll.

Jim, as he was known by his friends, graduated from Lexington High School in 1952. He graduated from Washington & Lee University with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Journalism. He began working part-time at the age of ten through his graduation from college at the Rockbridge County News (now the News-Gazette). His first formal position was as a reporter/photographer with the Charleston Evening Post in Charleston South Carolina.

He began his career in government service in the United States Army. He was appointed as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserves and later transferred to the Navel Reserves.

His journey in government service continued over the next twenty-one years, retiring in 1983. Jim served as Special Agent in Charge in criminal and counter intelligence with NIS, US Customs and DEA. Upon retirement, he continued his civil service as a government contractor for multiple government agencies including the FBI conducting criminal background investigations.

In Rockbridge Baths, for the next twenty years Jim and Jessie operated J & J Christmas Tree Farm. He was a member of the Brownsburg Ruritan Club and known as ‘Narc’. Jim was always busy with projects. He refinished furniture, did woodworking, and caning. He loved to travel with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim and Jessie’s final stop on their travels was Okatie, South Carolina living near his daughter and son-in-law. Jim was patriotic and loved his country. He was a true gentleman and there aren’t many of those left. He was loved fiercely by his family. Respected by friends. He will be missed but always remembered.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim Pullen can be made to a charity of your choice. A memorial service is being planned for September in Virginia.

Sauls Funeral Home in Bluffton, South Carolina is entrusted with his final care.