James Shelby Clem, 81, died Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017. He was born Oct. 31, 1935.
Visitation for Mr. Clem will be Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. with a service at 2 p.m. at Ridout’s Brown-Service Funeral Home Chapel with Gary Patton and Tim Sutton officiating. Burial will be private.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marguerite Clemons Clem; two daughters, Anne Clem Whitaker of Raleigh, North Carolina (Trampas Whitaker) and Dr. Christi Clem Smith (Dr. Jeremy Smith) of Birmingham, and his son, Steve Clem, who is deceased. He has three brothers, Doris, Harold and Bobby Clem. He is survived by eight grandchildren, Mason and Chad Whitaker; Connor, Colby and Ella Smith; and Caroline, Allie and Sam Clem.
He attended school at Elkmont High School and graduated in 1953. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1959 and served honorably, but his tour was extended in 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He attended Calhoun College through the GI Bill. He was a Christian, who was baptized into the church in 1980. He was a longtime member of the Somerville Road Church of Christ. He loved Nascar racing and Auburn football games. He was employed by Flowers Baking Co. and retired after a successful career of 39 years.
James loved his hometown and was cherished by his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and caring grandfather. He exemplified the meaning of unconditional love to all those around him but especially to his family. He had an abundance of things to take pride in, but he was most proud of his children and grandchildren. For many years, he worked all day on his route, only to jump in the shower and head out to see his children in sporting events, cheer competitions, talent shows, and church activities…anything his children were involved in, he was there to support them. He was patient and he was proud of them. He loved them all whole heartedly and unconditionally. He wore many hats, but the one that brought him the most joy was being a Poppa. He always had a piece of candy, a toy, and usually some cash to hand out to his grandchildren. Every child should be so lucky as to have him as their Poppa.
He enhanced the lives of everyone he came in contact with. He took pride in every aspect of his life, whether it be as a friend, mentor, or grandfather. He worked hard for everything he ever had – not because he desired success or worldly things, but because he wanted his children and grandchildren to have an easier life than he had. He was the type of man that every man should strive to be. He will be remembered by his family and community as an honest, hardworking, humble man of the Lord.
