Mr. James (Jim) Donald Clanton of Statesville, N.C., transitioned to his eternal reward in the late evening of August 1, 2025, following several weeks of declining health.
He and twin sister, Dorothy Jane, were born to Robert A. Clanton Sr. and Ina Sloan Clanton of Stony Point, N.C.. Jim’s twin sister passed a month following her birth. Other siblings who preceded him were Raymond, Owen, Rachel Stikeleather and Macella Pharr. One brother, Rev. Bob Clanton, survives.
Jim served in the Army during the Korean War. Basic training was at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, which involved learning to operate heavy engineering equipment with the expectation of being deployed to Korea. However, instead, he was sent to Germany and was part of a musical band called “The Tune Twisters,” which performed shows for military groups. One member of the group was “Pappy” Burns, brother of well known musical brothers of the era, Homer and Jethro.
Jim was married twice, first to Arbutus (“Boots”) Childers, with whom two daughters were born, Donna C. Stacey and Gina C. Adkins of Mesquite, Texas, and Shallotte, N.C., respectively. A second Union was with Lois (Jean) Howard, who brought two step-children to the marriage, Gail Howard Templeton of Cary, N.C., and Mike Howard, deceased. Both spouses predeceased him.
He is survived by grandchildren, Kevin Templeton, Amber Evans, April Magnao, Sarah Stacey, Adam Robertson, Ashley Steele and Leanna Clanton. A number of nephews and nieces also remain along with countless numbers of other family and friends.
For many years Jim was a member of the Flint Ridge Blue Grass Band, in which he played the fiddle. The band performed in many venues, including parks, churches, theaters, radio stations, weddings, concerts, etc. Members of that group were his dearest friends. They “ jammed” nearly every week in Troutman — early on in Randy’s BBQ and later in the Troutman Library. He “jammed” with other groups in other locations as well.
As a faithful Christian member of Unity Baptist Church in West Iredell County, he looked forward to attending and participating in their services of worship, Bible studies, and other activities as long as he was able.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday August 7, 2025, in the chapel located at Iredell Memorial Park with Rev. Bob Clanton and Rev. James Keever officiating. Burial will follow in the cemetery after the chapel service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to charities of the donor’s choosing.
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.