James H. 'Jim' Marcengill

James Harrison 'Jim' Marcengill, 83, of Abbeville, SC, beloved husband of Barbara Brown Marcengill, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Self Regional Healthcare. He was born in Oconee County to the late Clarence Fred and Adell Tannery Marcengill.

A proud graduate of Greenwood High School in 1961, Jim was celebrated for his exceptional talents in both football and baseball. He was an integral member of the 1959 AAA State Championship football team and served as captain of the 1960 team. His prowess on the field earned him a spot on the North-South All-Star team, where he was recognized as the Most Valuable Offensive Back. In baseball, he excelled as a centerfielder and pitcher, making the Piedmont Conference All-Star Teams from 1957 to 1960. Jim's contributions to his high school community were further honored when he was voted "Mr. Emerald" in 1961. Following graduation, he received a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Martin. Jim is a 2009 Greenwood High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductee.

His success at baseball started at an early age. At twelve years old, he was selected as the outstanding Little League player of the year and presented with a bicycle. Jim was also part of the American Legion Post 20 baseball team for three summers, as a centerfielder and pitcher. They were State Champions in 1958 and 1960 and Runner-up in 1959. He was Most Valuable Player in 1960. The 1958 team was affectionately known as the 'boys of summer'. They were a hard-hitting, scrappy bunch who never quit. Come-from-behind victories were their trademark. They would make it all the way to Colorado Springs, CO and finish third in the nation.

In 1997, after dedicating 32 years to a successful career in manufacturing management with Monsanto/Solutia, Jim retired. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was also a charter member of the Greenwood Bass Masters where Barbara designed the first logo. In his retirement, he spent many happy hours hunting in clubs or on his property and fishing the local lakes.

Jim Marcengill will be remembered for his dedication to family, faith, community, and sports, leaving a legacy of love and achievement.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jefferson Blakely Bates, II; his brother, Fred Clarence Marcengill, Jr.; and two sisters, Bettie Jennings and Donna Harrison.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara; four children, Jimmy Marcengill (Whitney) of Greenwood, SC, Ben Marcengill of Abbeville, SC, Millie Bates of Columbia, SC, and Karen Chichester (Mark) of Huntersville, NC; a sister, Patsy Getsinger of Greenwood, SC; a brother, Rev. Samuel Marcengill; eight grandchildren: Caroline Chesnutt (Nick), Harrison Marcengill, Tanner Marcengill, Noah Marcengill, Whittlee Marcengill, Blakely Bates, Carew Bates, and Mills Bates. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Eddie and Alex, along with numerous nieces and a nephew.

Graveside services will be 11:00AM Friday, January 23, 2026, in Oakbrook Memorial Park, 3007 US-25, Hodges, SC 29653 with Rev. Eric Boggs officiating.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Marcengill, may be sent to Greenwood High School, Attn. GHS Booster Club, 1816 Cokesbury Road, Greenwood, SC 29649.

The family is at the home.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Marcengill family.