Section: C Lot: 40A Grave: 4
James 'Jim' Franklin Podell
Born: November 3rd, 1940
Died: December 5th, 2025
Obituary
James “Jim” Franklin Podell of Northeast Columbia died at his home in Elgin Friday December 5, 2025, at the age of 85. Jim was born November 3, 1940, in Denham, Indiana to parents Orlie W. and Elsie (Thonert) Podell.
Jim played basketball at Purdue University before transferring to the University of South Carolina where he finished his basketball career and met his wife Ann. In 1963 he began his lifelong career in real estate. Jim often remarked that he “never really worked” because of the affection he had for the profession, and the enjoyment he took from it. He truly achieved success in life. Jim valued his family and friends; lived well, laughed often, and loved much. He always saw the best in others and was generous, welcoming, and quick to share a smile. Jim was an avid outdoorsman and treasured his time in nature. In his free time, he could usually be found riding his tractor, hunting and fishing with his friends, or walking land tracts with an eye for development.
Jim is survived by his wife, Ann (Porter) Podell; daughter, Lora Compas; grandchildren, Andrew P. Tilton, Megan M. Compas, and Gracen D. Tilton. He was preceded in death by son, James “Jimmy” Podell Jr.; his siblings, and parents, Orlie and Elsie Podell.
The family would like to express gratitude to Jim’s caregivers, Deloris and Gwen Tyler, the staff of Amedisys Hospice of Columbia, and Reverend Andrew Isenhower of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for their kindness, compassion, and support.
Reverend Isenhower will serve as the officiant for a graveside service that will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2025, in Greenhaven Memorial Gardens located in Elgin at 11020 Two Notch Road, 29045. Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, is assisting the family.