James Wallace Costen

James Wallace Costen January 5, 1940 - January 25, 2026 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of James (Jim) Wallace Costen, 86. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and admired grandfather and great-grandfather. Jim was born on January 5, 1940, in Red Level, Alabama, and spent his high school years in Georgia. He graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School in Decatur, GA in 1958. It was during this time he grew to love football and his athletic career blossomed as he captained his football team. He attended South Carolina University where he exceled on the field earning the starting Quarterback Role for the Gamecocks. All of his football accomplishments were noted by NFL scouts and in 1962, he was drafted by the Washington Redskins. He always loved the beach as evidenced by his early career as a lifeguard at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina during his college summers. Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corp and the South Carolina Army National Guard. He was a teacher, football and soccer coach before launching into his real estate career. Jim treasured all the many friends and acquaintances he made during each of these seasons of his life. If you knew Jim, you knew he had an easy smile, impeccable style, smooth athleticism, stoic character, loved football and lived out a quiet faith. He and Deborah had a beautiful love story as evidenced in her care and attention to him in the last years of his life. Even when Alzheimer’s and cancer took so much from him, Deborah was his anchor. Fortunately, he and Deborah had many incredible years together before his diagnoses to enjoy trips to the beach, dancing the night away, incredible food, SEC football and being amazing grandparents. He loved golf almost as much as he loved a delicious dessert. Strangely, all the animals Deborah rescued adored him the most. Jim was a teacher and a coach through and through. Whether it was in the back yard teaching his grandkids how to properly throw a football or in a boardroom leading a meeting about real estate, he was patient and thorough. He was loyal and kind as he cared for his Mom and brother during their extended illnesses. Jim was constantly striving to be the best version of himself, and because of that, he encouraged everyone to be better. Family meant a great deal to Jim. He is survived by his much-loved wife, Deborah Harris Costen; their children, Jade Costen (Jessica) and Bleu Owens (Jeff). Jim was a proud “Popie” to five grandchildren and two bonus grandchildren; Emmie Tozier (Nick), Sage Costen (Cameron), Jamesy Costen (Georgia), Shyla Stoops (Mike), Arden Stoops, Meredith Owens and Nathan Owens, and one great-grandson; Boone Baker. There are many other extended family members Jim loved and adored during his lifetime including his brother Bill Costen, in-laws, nieces, nephews and their families. A Celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 12:00 noon in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21 from 11:00 a/m/ until time for the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://www.alz.org/ for research for the cure of Alzheimer’s.