Earl "Jim" James Way

Jim Way of Hilton Head Island passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2025, at home. He was born on January 8,1939 in LaSallle, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois. 

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Air Force Band for 24 years. He enjoyed telling stories of marching in J.F.K.’s funeral and for numerous presidential inauguration parades, as dignitaries arrived for important meetings, and his visits all around the country while touring with the band. He was proud of the 3,000 concerts he performed on the euphonium, a member of the brass section of the band.

 In August of 1998, Jim and Elaine moved to Hilton Head Island where he soon began his 2nd career as an administrator with The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. There he became a beloved member of the organization, holding all the information about patrons and ticket buyers’ preferences over years. His goal to find the best seats possible for ticket buyers and patrons quickly earned him the gratitude and appreciation of all who attended HHSO events. Jim enjoyed making models to scale, traveling and following the games of the Fighting Illini and the Chicago Cubs. 

He also kept his love for the mountains and rivers of North Carolina where they had a home in Hendersonville. But most of all, he loved his family and friends. 

Jim is survived by a sister-in-law, Lyndle Eaton Smith of Destin, Florida; stepsons Bennett King (Karla) of Asheville, NC and Dr. Brent King (Sheda) of Cornelius, NC; five grandchildren, and three nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, June Elaine Way and his daughter Brenda. 

 Jim’s faith was very important to him. He was an active, long-time member of St. Lukes Anglican Church and of several prayer groups. Jim Way was loved by many and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Services will be held at St. Luke's Church, 50 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, SC at 11:00am on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with a reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 5757, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938. .