Fort Mill, SC – James Philip Lucus passed away on June, 10, 2024 at his home. Born on February 24, 1931 in Lafayette, IN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Lucus; and daughter Marsha Lucus.
He was survived by his two daughters, Karen Lucus and Jan Ivens (Dale); son, Jim Lucus; five grandchildren; Kraven Blak (Colleen), Luke Gilchrist (Jill), Tess Smith (Jim), Josh Ivens (Jen), and Jesse Ivens (Haley); great-grandchildren, Skylar Gilchrist, Jimmy Smith, Sam Smith, Ruthie Ivens, Elijah Ivens, Luke Ivens, Christalina Smith, Anderson Smith, and Brinleigh Smith.
Jim met the love of his life, Janet Beth, while in the 8th grade. They dated on and off in high school, and my mother would always tell us “Your father chased me until I caught him!”. They eloped after graduating from high school and had four children together
His love for sports started in high school in Lafayette, Indiana, and when he was a senior in 1949 his basketball team won the Indiana state championship. That passion continued throughout his life with his love for Purdue basketball and Michigan football. After he graduated from high school, he received a basketball scholarship from Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He played for two years, and then decided to concentrate on his studies. He graduated and received a degree in accounting. While attending WMU he got a job as a night watchman at a pharmaceutical company called The Upjohn Company. The job allowed him to go to school during the day and do his homework in between his rounds as a night watchman. With that kind of schedule, I’m not sure when he slept!
After he graduated from college he was drafted into the army. Because of his accounting degree he was able to go in as an officer working in various jobs on the homeland. This enabled him and Janet to travel around the states living in different cities, but mostly staying in the southeast. They absolutely loved this part of the country, leading them to settle in there after retirement. After his military service he was able to go back to work at The Upjohn Company in the accounting and finance departments, where he went on to win the William E Upjohn award in recognition of Special Accomplishment 1966 and ultimately became a divisional vice president. He retired from The Upjohn Company after over 30 years of dedicated service, continuing his outstanding accounting career with various jobs way past retirement.
He loved Jesus Christ his Savior and was proud to talk about him to anyone who would listen. He loved going to church, singing along with the hymns, and attending Bible study. While living in Hendersonville, NC, he, and his wife Janet were active members at Living Savior Lutheran Church in Asheville, where they had an integral part in helping to start the church in early 2000. He was also a member of Illumine church in Rock Hill, SC, and he was very proud to attend both churches with his family members at each location
He loved his wife, spending time with his children and family, was an avid reader (he always loved books and learning!) and he loved all the dogs he and Janet had throughout their lives, including Penny who is still with us today.
A memorial service for Mr. Lucus will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 3pm at Illumine Church, 1689 Springsteen Rd. Rock Hill, SC. Mr. Lucus final resting place will be at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in James P. Lucus name to Illumine Church, 1689 Springsteen Road, Rock Hill, SC, 29732.
Condolences can be made at greenefuneralhome.net.