H 5762

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5762
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF
THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF
JAMES WINSTON ROQUEMORE OF ORANGEBURG AND TO EXTEND THEIR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO
HIS LARGE AND LOVING FAMILY AND HIS MANY FRIENDS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives
were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Winston "Jim" Roquemore
of Orangeburg on July 9, 2026; and
Whereas, born in Lakeland, Georgia in 1955, Jim was the son of the
late William Alexander Roquemore and Nell Patten Roquemore. His real work
experience began in the tobacco field when he was five years old. He would go
on to attend Valdosta State College, and learn the values of hard work, family,
and integrity that would guide him throughout his life; and
Whereas, Roquemore's great-grandfather started Patten Seed in 1883.
One hundred years later, Roquemore moved to Orangeburg to join the family
business. In 1997, Roquemore assumed the helm of the company and served with
distinction as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Patten
Seed Company, widely known by its tradename, Super-Sod. Under his visionary
guidance and leadership, the company expanded from its roots as a small general
store to become one of the premier producers of turfgrass sod and seed; and
Whereas, during his brilliant career, Roquemore was the recipient of
numerous accolades, including the state's highest civilian honor, the Order of
the Palmetto. He was inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame,
named Orangeburg Citizen of the Year, was a major supporter of the Boy Scouts
of America, and received the Silver Beaver Award and District Merit Award. Ever
civic minded, he mentored many business people and budding entrepreneurs; and
Whereas, in addition to his many honors, Roquemore served on a number
of industry boards that included a stint as director of SCANA, director of
South State Bank, former chairman of the South Carolina Conservation Bank
board, and past president of the Orangeburg Economic Partnership. He served on
the Clemson University Board of Visitors and the Coker College Board of
Visitors, where he also received an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters; and
Whereas, a man deeply committed to his community, his lasting impact
was recognized locally, notably through the Roquemore Auditorium at
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, the venue where his life was celebrated
by family, friends, and dignitaries following his passing. He and his wife
hosted visitors and exchange students from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
He attempted to learn basic phrases for every country to which he traveled so
that he could be gracious. He considered people from all walks of life as dear
friends; and
Whereas, a man of profound faith, his greatest accomplishment was his
walk with Christ. He read and studied the Word daily and always searched for
the Lord's counsel through his study. James Winston Roquemore left this earth
to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ leaving to cherish his memory his
beloved wife, Karen Bembry Roquemore; his children, James Winston Roquemore
Jr., Martha Nell Roquemore Burleson and her husband Matt, and Laura Anne
Roquemore McLaurin and her husband Hugh; and his beloved grandchildren, Emma Grace,
Winston Wallace, Hugh Chumbley V, James Winston III, Rosemary Eloise, and
Stirling Alexander; and
Whereas, he also will be greatly missed by his brothers, Rocky and
Bob; his sister, Lee; and a host of extended family members, colleagues, and
friends; and
Whereas, the people of South Carolina were made better by the life
and labors of Jim Roquemore. His dedication to his family, his agricultural
business acumen, and his community service will not soon be forgotten. Now,
therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of
Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House
of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow
upon the passing of James Winston Roquemore of Orangeburg and extend their
deepest sympathy to his large and loving family and his many friends.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to
Karen Bembry Roquemore, on behalf of the family.
----XX----
This web page was last updated on August 11, 2026 at 03:13 PM