Jimmy Magoulas, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on August 30, 2026 at the age of 97. Born February 18, 1929, in Manning, S.C., he was the son of Jerry and Pauline Magoulas. Following graduation from Manning High School, he attended the Citadel and was a member of the Summerall Guards his senior year. He graduated from the Citadel in 1950 with a B.S. in Political Science and entered the United States Marine Corps. One year later, he married the former Bernice G. Benson of Waycross, Georgia. After serving in the Korean War and earning the rank of Captain, he resigned his regular commission to enter the field of education. Jimmy obtained an M.A. degree in Educational Administration from East Carolina College in 1957 and an Ed.D. degree in Educational Administration from the University of Virginia in 1960.

Over a period of forty years, Dr. Magoulas served in various capacities in the field of education, including Assistant Principal and Principal in Virginia school systems and Assistant Superintendent for Cooper River School District in North Charleston. In 1968, he accepted a teaching position with the Citadel. During his tenure, he earned the rank of Colonel and held the positions of Associate Academic Dean, Director of the Evening College and Continuing Education, Department Head, and Coordinator of the MAT program. Dr Magoulas received several teaching awards, including the Outstanding Teaching Award in 1978-79, the James D. Self Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching in 1991 and in 1993, as well as induction into the Zucker School of Education Wall of Fame in 2018 for Outstanding Contribution to Education. Much more than any accomplishments, Jimmy was well known for his genuine care for people, his kindness, and his generosity.

Married to his beloved wife Bernice for 74 years, he was preceded by her death in October, 2025. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Pamela Griffin (Roscoe), Teresa Allen (Doug), Kathryn Farmer (Dan); 9 grandchildren, Kristen Conlee (Mike), Kelsey Allen, Haley Allen, Dawson Allen, Graham Allen, Hudson Allen, Caroline Magoulas, Anna Hook (Christian), Ben Farmer; 5 great grandchildren, Alexa Conlee, Annalyn Conlee, Charlotte Conlee, Halley Hook, Hampton Hook, as well as several nieces and nephews. He dearly loved his family and extended family.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the following for their love, care, and support for Dr. Magoulas: Mount Pleasant Gardens, Bishop Gadsden, Estes Community, and Lutheran Hospice of the Lowcountry.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Hwy, with Pastor Randy Disharoon officiating. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

Members of Ashley River Baptist for over 60 years, memorials may be made to the church’s Faith Forward Restoration Campaign

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