January 31st, 1933 – April 17th, 2022
James Rogers Clay, 89, of Crestview Florida passed away peacefully Sunday, April 17th, with family members at his bedside.
The son of sharecroppers, Fred and Zella Clay, James was born in Lockesburg, Arkansas, Jim was a proud veteran of the USS Ozbourn DD-846, upon which he served in the Korean War as a Radioman from 1950-1955.
After the Navy, James worked for Western Union and then moved over to the Centel Telephone Company where he worked for 32 years and retired in 1990. He enjoyed almost 30 years of gardening, working on tractors and farming, which re-connected him with his outdoor childhood experiences from Arkansas, along with spending quality with his grandchildren. James proudly shared with his grandchildren that he picked 190 lbs worth of cotton in his life.
James and his wife Barbara were approaching their 60th wedding anniversary later this year. He considered himself a simple man who thoroughly enjoyed his family which includes wife Barbara, sons Roger (Patti) Swann of Monticello, Florida, John (Karyn) Clay of Kamuela, Hawaii and Mitchell Clay of Crestview along with grandchildren; Breanna (Chris), Taylor, Kimberly, Kelli, Cole, Savannah, and Charly, plus 6 great-grandchildren.
Visitation at Brackney Funeral Service will be held this Wednesday, April 20th, at 1pm, followed by a 2pm service with internment at Cotton Cemetery to follow.
James’ family wants to thank Dr. Wayne Campbell and the wonderful people at Winn-Dixie Pharmacy in Crestview for many years of care, along with the skilled care givers at North Okaloosa Medical Center, Regency Hospice & Santa Rosa Beach Private Care whose support made a loving impact on James’ life.
You may leave your condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com.
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Brackney Funeral Service Chapel
Audrey (Sis) Jones
April 19, 2022, 5:41 am
He was always in my life and meant so much to me. More like a brother than an uncle. We had some wonderful conversations over the last few years as we reminisced about growing up in Arkansas. My heart is lonely today. Sis
Portia Doerr
April 19, 2022, 5:20 pm
Uncle Jimmy and I had a special bond, he called me every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM. He always had a story to tell me and a few funny quotes,( after he got me up to speed on his Dr. visits and health issues.)
I always tried to get him to sell California some of Florida’s water, but he said California wasn’t getting any of their water, and so it went.
Will miss you Uncle Jim especially on Sunday mornings. Love you , Portia
Portia Doerr
April 19, 2022, 5:32 pm
Uncle Jimmy called me every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM. He always had a story to tell me and a few funny quotes.
(after he got me up to speed on his health issues and Dr. visits)
I always tried to get him to sell California some of Florida’s water but he said he wasn’t going for that, and so it went. I will miss you Uncle Jim. Love you Portia
James Doerr
April 19, 2022, 9:29 pm
Uncle Jimmy called me every Sunday morning at 7:00 AM.I looked forward to our visit. He always had a story to tell me
and a few funny quotes (after he got me up to speed on his doctor visits and other issues.) I always tried to get him to sell California some of Florida’s water, but he didn’t go for that, and so it went. L:ove you Uncle Jimmy, Portia
Keith Edward Barrett
April 20, 2022, 2:36 am
Jim and Barbara were good friends of my parents, Ed and Jane Lieb. We enjoyed knowing them, too. May the Lord grant many memories to treasure and to pass on to the next generations.
Looking to Jesus, Celia and Keith Barrett
Renee Rogers
April 20, 2022, 8:05 pm
Thank you Mr. Clay for the difference you made in our lives and many others. We were blessed and honored to know you and call you friend.
Kenny and Renee Rogers