EASLEY—James “Jim” Findley played a key role in important economic growth in Easley, but will likely be remembered for a relentless work ethic and “put-others-first” attitude.

“He had a huge influence on the way Easley Combined Utilities expanded,” Easley Mayor Larry Bagwell said. “He was always moving forward and was a very sharp individual.”

Born in Anderson in June of 1931, Findley was called to active duty in 1955 where he served in the US Air Force as a B-25 Pilot at Reese Air Force Base, Lubbock, Texas and as an instructor at the Aviation Cadet Pre-Flight School (forerunner to the Air Force Academy) at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

As a young entrepreneur in Easley, Findley opened Findley’s Pharmacy on Main Street in 1959 and operated there for thirteen years.

He became one of the first franchise owners of The Medicine Shoppe, eventually owning five pharmacies in Easley, Anderson, Greenville, Greer and Clinton.

Findley was an active member of several civic organizations: The Easley Jaycees, The Easley Lions Club and the Easley Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he served on the Pickens County Airport Commission from the initial planning and construction phase through its first major expansion.

In 1999, he was elected to the Easley Combined Utility Commission, serving twelve years, two years as chairman.

“Jim was a long-time pharmacist and fixture in the Easley community,” Sen. Larry Martin said. “I particularly knew him as chairman of the combined utilities commission. He was very supportive of everything combined utilities did here in the community to make progress.”

“The service that combined utilities provides for Easley is a huge part of the economic development for our area,” Martin continued. “Findlay was very well informed and had a good grasp of the issues that came up from time to time.”

A life-long Presbyterian, and a member of Easley Presbyterian Church for more than fifty years, he served as Deacon, Elder and most recently, Trustee.

Bagwell said enjoyed meeting up with Findley and others at Joe’s Coffee Club to talk about important issues with friends.

“Jim and I sat across the table from each other at Joe’s quite often and talked about the City of Easley and combined utilities,” Bagwell said. “He was a very smart individual and a good businessman. He always thought about Easley first and what he could do for us.”

“There’s no doubt he will be missed” Martin said.