James "Jimmy" Hood Chavis

Mr. James “Jimmy” Hood Chavis, 74, of Orangeburg passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Mr. Jimmy was born on September 13, 1950, in Marlboro County.  He was the son of the late George “Shade” Wilson Chavis and the late Margaret Steen Chavis.  After graduating high school, he went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer science from Columbia College and A Degree in Automotive Business Administration from General Motors. He worked for 33 years as Service and Parts Director for Superior Automotive Group (Superior Motors.) He served on a number of advisory boards including OC Tech, Cope Area Career Center and Orangeburg School District 5. He was also the Tech Inspector at Orangeburg Dragstrip for many years. Jimmy was passionate about antique cars, corvettes and racing. He was Founder/CEO of Chavis Motorsports where his legacy and love for racing will continue on through his family.

Survivors include his wife of over 47 years, Neva Boan Chavis; children, Cynthia Shuler (Robbie), Tara Lewis (Craig), Lisa Cupp (Bob), Jimmy Chavis, Jr. (Christy); nine grandchildren, Miranda Rucker (B.B.), Alex Defrenn (Victoria), Edee(Jared)Liles, Krista Stillinger, Shawn Stillinger, Blake Simmons, Madalin Simmons, Channing Smith, Aiden Chavis; four great-grandchildren and his beloved side-kick, “Cash.”

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joyce McQuage and his fur baby, “Bentley.”

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel, 1012 Whitman Street, Orangeburg.  Pastor Kenny Baltzegar and Chaplain Tammy Smith will be officiating.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 2720 Broughton Street, Orangeburg after one last ride at the South Carolina Motorplex on Dragstrip Road.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Thompson Funeral Home Chapel.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Guy Farman, Benji Rutland, Robbie Salsgiver, Dennis Boan, Billy Boan and Ralph Morgan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Lawley and Judd Harris.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at 5757 Waterford District Drive Suite 310 Miami, FL 33126or to ST. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.