James Harrel Singletary was born in Dorchester County to the late Willie and Jestine Singletary on December 13, 1947. He entered into eternal rest on July 18, 2014 at Trident Medical Center.

James Harrel was educated in the public schools of Dorchester County. He was joined in holy matrimony to his life-long sweetheart Sarah Ellen Dereef on October 10, 1969. This union was blessed with two children-Kelly and Rafael (Scooter).

Following in his father's footsteps he enlisted into the United States Navy (1967-1972) and served in the Vietnam War. His duty stations included: San Diego, CA, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Philadelphia, PA, the Caribbean and Charleston, SC. He also served in the SC Army National Guard, Company B 1st Battalion MECH 118th Infantry for 13 years. In addition to serving his country he held such job titles as: bridge carpenter, construction worker, barber and custodian until he was privileged to become employed with Lieber Correctional Institution. In 1986, he took on the title of correctional officer, thus the nickname "Bone Crusher" was established.

James Harrel was preceded in death by one sister, Eartha Lee Singletary Dereef and two brothers-in-law, Sammy Dereef and Howard Dereef.

To cherish his fond memories he leaves his wife and soulmate of more than 50 years Sarah Singletary of St. George, SC; a daughter, Kelly (Aundre') Duggins of Summerville, SC; a son, Rafael (Tamekia) Williams of Goose Creek, SC; three children, he raised as his own, Latonya, Kimberly and Anthonie Dereef all of Columbia, SC; eleven grandchildren, Petty Officer 2nd Class Sierra Singletary, Tyree Singletary, Jessica Singletary, Kayla Johnson, Drequel Duggins, Rashod Johnson, Zaria Williams, KeAundre' Duggins, Jaeden Duggins, Deznisha Williams and Robert Johnson; two great grandchildren, Anaiya Harris and Gabriel McKenzie; six siblings, Marvis (Nathan) Robinson of Hinesville, GA, Evelyn Singletary, Brenda Singletary, Clay Cee Singletary and Willie Singletary, Jr. all of St. George, SC; three aunts, Ida Britt and Sarah Little both of St. George, SC and Laureen McMillan of Philadelphia, PA; three uncles, Leroy Cobb of Brooklyn, NY, Dan Cobb of Palmetto, FL and Clifford Cobb of Bratenton, FL; in-laws, Nell Williams of Brooklyn, NY, Tommy (Annie) Dereef and Harry Dereef both of St. George, SC, Alonzo (Rose) Dereef of Brooklyn, NY and Marvin (Karen) Dereef of Rock Hill, SC; a special niece, Josephine Williams of Orangeburg, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.