James Elroy Gortman

James Elroy Gartman, 61 , of Lexington , South Carolina passed away September 14, 2026, at his residence. He was born on November 24, 1964, in Leesville, South Carolina to James and Josephine (Butler ) Gortman.

James is survived by his wife, Lydia Kennedy Gortman, sons, Damian Allen Gortman and Jonathan Allen Gortman, daughter, Meghan Gortman, brothers, Eddie Frank Gartman and Everette Gortman, nieces, Crystal Gortman, Ollegra Langford, and Jessica Headen, nephew, Justin Headen and great-niece, Camryn Butler.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Robinson, grandmother, Margaret Quattlebaum, sisters, Joyce Gortman and Tyra Baldwin, grandfather, Rev. Ervin Holmes Jr., and nephews Manzel Langford and Jamille Gortman.

In compliance with Elroy’s wishes, no memorial service is planned. It is hoped that his family and friends will remember Elroy by sharing stories of his life and the memories they made with him. Forever and always a football fan of the Batesburg-Leesville Panthers, USC Trojans, and the Miami Dolphins.

Memorials may be made to Batesburg-Leesville Youth Football, 227 Highland Avenue, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29006.

The family appreciates the thoughts, prayers, food, and calls. We ask that you continue praying for us and give us the space to process this sudden loss in private.