James Wilson Malugin

James Wilson Malugin, age 84, a resident of Columbia, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, with Brother Peter Sierson officiating. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the service hour at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on April 20, 1941, in Primm Springs, Tennessee, James was the son of the late James Porter Malugin and the late Drucilla Hicks Malugin. A man of deep faith, he was of the Baptist belief and lived a life rooted in kindness, generosity, and humility. He worked for Stauffer Chemical Furnace Company for 25 years before retiring, earning the respect of coworkers and friends alike.

James found joy in woodworking and birdwatching, but his greatest passion was his family. Known affectionately by many as the best grandfather, he maintained an open-door policy, welcoming not only his grandchildren but all of their friends as part of the family. His home was a safe haven, and his heart was open to all. His compassionate and loving nature touched many lives and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Brenda Harris Malugin of Columbia; daughters, Tara (Jerry) Webb of Hampshire and Kari Truette (Wes Owens) of Lyles; brothers, Roger (Floye) Malugin and Lester (Dawn) Malugin, both of Columbia; sister, Brenda (Benny) Morton of Hampshire; grandchildren, Madison (Tyler) Luker, Morgan Webb, Zachary Truette (Lexi Capps), Bentlee Adams, Cheyanne Owens, and Savannah Owens; great-grandchildren, Blakelynn Bauman and Wylla Luker; and a very special nephew, Greg Buffington, along with numerous other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Lonnie Malugin, and siblings, Sue Hopper, Mae Martin, Shirley Cross, Margaret Davis, Kenny Malugin, and Robert Malugin.

Pallbearers will be Robert Truette, Zack Truette, Mark Hopper, Shane Davis, Ron Malugin, and Tyler Malugin. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. James Couch, Dr. Steven Smith, and all former employees of the Stauffer Chemical Furnace Plant.

The family requests memorial donations be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Office of Philanthropy, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.