James Vernon Sinclair

On January 10, 2022, Major James Vernon Sinclair, U.S. Army (Ret.) age 83, passed away peacefully at home with his family.

Born on April 12, 1938 in Camden, South Carolina, Jimmy was the youngest child of the late John Carl Sinclair and Carrie Ozella Bradley Sinclair. As Co-Captain of the 1956 Camden High School Bulldog football team, he was recruited by and attended Clemson University. He graduated from the University of Nebraska.

A warrior and patriot, Jimmy joined the United States Army, completing training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina and beginning his distinguished military career to become an Intelligence Officer. He married schoolteacher and wife of 57 years, Dorothy Gail Arnette of Dillon, South Carolina, and deployed to Vietnam shortly thereafter.

Serving two year-long tours (1966-1967 Bullwhip Squadron; 1969-1970,) he received the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, 2 Purple Heart ribbons, and Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star.

After a distinguished 23-year military career, he was discharged with full honors in 1983 and served as Commandant at Camden Military Academy and JROTC Instructor at his wife’s alma mater, Latta High School until his retirement in 1994. He was a member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church of Camden.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter Sharon Arnette Sinclair; granddaughter, Amanda Ashton Smith (Robert); sisters in law Carol Powers Sinclair, Ann Tyndall Arnette, and Lynda Lane Sinclair; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved son, James Michael Sinclair; and siblings Dorothy Sinclair Richmond, John Carl Sinclair, Jr., and Jerry Lane Sinclair.

A private graveside service will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, SC. Funeral arrangements are provided by Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel.

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