Mr. John W. Jumper

Life Reflections The life of John Wendell Jumper began on August 1, 1935, in Hopkins, South Carolina. He was the second of six children born to the late Julius Lowman Jumper and Catherine Frierson Jumper. On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, in the stillness of the afternoon John very peacefully entered into eternal rest. John received his formal education in the public schools of Richland County, South Carolina graduating from Booker T. Washington High School in 1953. After graduation he attended Benedict College before later enlisting in the United States Air Force where he served his country faithfully and dutifully for twenty-one years. During this time, he also completed his degree in Business Administration from Columbia Commercial College and Midlands Technical College. John was employed with Southern Bell where after twenty years of dedicated service he retired as a Network Translations Assistant. John was married to Surlina Simpson and from this union five children were born. John was an avid fisherman, enjoyed traveling, dancing, jazz music, baking and gardening. John never met a stranger and would always greet you with a smile and a firm handshake. He found fulfillment in tutoring children in the community. He enjoyed helping children gain an understanding and greater appreciation of mathematics. In 1953, John joined First Nazareth Baptist Church where he was a faithful and dedicated servant for 70 years. During this time, he was a member of the bowling team, a founding member of the Brotherhood and Brotherhood Chorus, Couples Ministry, Senior Citizens Ministry, Sunday School, Citywide Brotherhood (Treasurer), Finance Committee, Budget Committee served as Financial Secretary and Treasurer. He was the first van driver for the senior citizens and attended the Progressive National Baptist Convention for many years. In 1978, John was Ordained as a Deacon at First Nazareth Baptist Church and served faithfully becoming Deacon Emeritus in 2018. Though we cannot capture the true essence of John in these few paragraphs, we can say that he was a man of strong faith and a true believer of the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. John loved the Lord, his family and his church. He believed “If you pray about it, why worry. If you’re worrying, why pray”. John was preceded in death by a daughter, Valencia Michele; two brothers, Julius and Odell. Though the presence of one so dear to us is no more, John leaves a legacy of love and Christian faith with his beloved wife of 64 years, Surlina Gertrude, of the home; children, Wendell Simpson (Christine) Jumper, Ronald LeGrand Jumper, Vanesa Marionette Jumper and Darryl John Jumper, Sr. all of Columbia, South Carolina; sisters, Annie (Ervin) Cook, Fayetteville, North Carolina, Doris Jumper Jones, Columbia, South Carolina, Jacqueline Wagner Columbia, South Carolina; sisters-in law, Doris D. Jumper, Columbia, South Carolina, Orie Latrell Jumper, San Diego, California, brother- in law, Hampton M. James, Columbia, South Carolina; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two godsons; nieces, nephews loving relatives and friends all of whom will miss him dearly

Mr. John W. Jumper

August 1, 1935 - February 21, 2024