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Clifton James
1920 - 2017
Clifton James
1920 - 2017
Obituary
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BORN
1920
DIED
2017
Clifton James Obituary
James played Louisiana Sheriff J.W. Pepper in “Live and Let Die” (1973), opposite Roger Moore’s James Bond. The obnoxious lawman supplied a comic foil for the sophisticated spy and proved popular with audiences. He returned in the following film, “The Man With the Golden Gun” (1974), with Pepper joining Bond for a chase sequence while vacationing in Thailand.
He also played similar comic lawmen in “Silver Streak” (1976) and “Superman II” (1980) and played a Southern penitentiary floorwalker in “Cool Hand Luke” (1967).
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James was born May 29, 1920, in Spokane, Washington. The family moved to Gladstone, Oregon, during the Great Depression.
During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific. He was decorated, receiving two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Silver Star.
After returning to the U.S., he began acting and moved to New York City, where he lived for much of his life. Despite frequently playing Southerners on TV and in movies, his closest personal association with the South was wintering in Florida.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Laurie, in 2015. He is survived by two sisters, five children, 14 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
54 Entries
Rob C
January 26, 2025
A talented actor who brought a smile to our faces
Don Heater
May 16, 2017
One of the GREAT character actors of modern cinema. Can never forget his role in the Jack Nicholson Navy film from 1973...The Last Detail. Rest in Peace, we will miss you.
John Byrne
May 5, 2017
What a legend Sheriff JW Pepper from 'Live and Let Die' and 'The Man With The Golden Gun'. I also remember him from 'Silver Streak' with the late greats Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. God bless you Clifton, you were a funny man. RIP.
John Byrne, Dublin, Ireland.
Linda
May 3, 2017
My condolences to the family. May you persevere in prayer to the God of all comfort. He promises to fortify you, strengthen you and help you endure during your grieving process. (Romans 12:12)
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Lee Siegel
April 30, 2017
Condolences to Clifton's family. Here is a story you may not know: My dad, Portland attorney Sol Siegel, who died at age 85 in 1998, long ago told me that Clifton James saved his life when they were in the Army together island hopping the Pacific during WWII. I don't remember details, except that my dad said he was jumped and attacked by a Japanese soldier, and that Clifton killed the Japanese soldier and saved my dad's life. So if it wasn't for Clifton, neither me nor my sisters would exist! Knowing that story, I always enjoyed seeing him in the movies. Lee J. Siegel, 64, Salt Lake City (soon moving to Newport, OR)
Betty Armour
April 25, 2017
So sorry to read about the loss of your loved one. Psalms 90:10 shows how he lived a long life of special mightiness from God. Keep his many memories close in your hearts and minds and cherish them forever. May the comfort of God be with you all during this time of grief.
Mike Grayson
April 24, 2017
A talented actor, may he forever rest in God's loving hands.
A.M.S.
April 24, 2017
My sincere sympathy to your family and friends. May the God of all comfort, strengthen you and the entire family during this time of sorrow. Those who die, God keeps them in his memory, because they are precious in his eyes. Psalms 116:15.
M C
April 23, 2017
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family for their loss of a talented man. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow. ( Psalms 86:17)
Scott Chamberland
April 22, 2017
Rest in Peace
April 21, 2017
Even though he is gone he will not be forgotten. May the God of All Comfort be with you and your family during this difficult time. (Isaiah 60:20)
April 21, 2017
Really sorry to hear of Clifton's passing.I really enjoyed the golf games with Cliff, George Imhoff and Stan Strain. I knew about Clifton's WWII experience. He should have been awarded the Medal Of Honor.RIP
Wright
April 20, 2017
Thank you for sharing your dear loved one with us.We will miss his funny sheriff character.May your fond memories bring joy of heart. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences.
Greg Johnston
April 20, 2017
I'm so sadden to learn of the death of Clifton James. I grew up watching him in the movies and I enjoyed his work greatly. I later became a police officer and regularly reminiscined his law enforcement characters with my co-workers. I will miss him and I wish his family well.
April 20, 2017
Dear family please accept my condolence and take courage, throw all your anxiety on the God of peace, he is near to all those calling on him Ps. 145:18
April 19, 2017
To the family of Mr. Clifton James.
May the God of all comfort strengthen you at this time.
Daniel Phillips
April 19, 2017
R.I.P Mr.James-- I loved your role as a sheriff.. You were on the microphone trying to get Billy bob..
Carlotta
April 18, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the James family and friends at this difficult time.
Michael Boyd
April 18, 2017
I salute you for your participation in World War 2, Mr. Clifton James!
I also appreciate the comic relief you brought to 'Live and Let Die' and 'the Man with the Golden Gun'.
April 18, 2017
Our family send its prayers and condolences to the family of Clifton James. We have so enjoyed his roles in the movies with James Bond in "live and Let Die' and " The Man with the Golden Hand". Cherish the many memories that you have shared with him over the years. May God Almighty give you the strength, courage but most of all peace in the coming days ahead. Isa. 43:10,13
VH-Illinois
OT.
April 18, 2017
Sorry for your loss.Mr. James was bless with longevity. May the love of God comfort ya'll.
christian
April 17, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Clifton. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
Carlotta
April 17, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the James family and friends at this difficult time.
GVJ
April 17, 2017
May God be your strength and shield as you grieve.
April 17, 2017
He was a great actor. Really enjoyed his movies.
Eric Place Spokane Wa.
Mary Green
April 17, 2017
My deepest Condolence to the family of James Clifton may you find comfort in knowing that others shares your sorrow with you. Take Comfort in knowing that God keeps those who dies in his memory for they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15.
April 17, 2017
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
R. Ramsey
April 17, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. He helped save the world during WWII and then went on to bring joy to so many through his work as an actor.
Mrs. K. Jackson
April 17, 2017
James portrayed his acting roles so convincingly that I personally thought he was from the south. But the loss no matter what part of the country you're from can be so difficult to deal with. May the God of understanding give you comfort during this time.
April 17, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the JAMES FAMILY at this most difficult time. He always had me laughing and he will be dearly missed. May 'God' give you peace.
L W
April 17, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that the God of all comfort hears your cries and he will rescue you during this sad occasion with comfort and peace. (Psalms145:18,19)
April 17, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
April 17, 2017
Clifton James was truly blessed to have lived such a long and wonderful life! So many cannot say the same. May he forever be in our hearts and in God's book of life.
neal Bransdon
April 17, 2017
RIP Clifton I've watched you for years and enjoyed every one of your rolls and I will miss you mate from Neal in Australia so long mate.
Judy Helman Chester
April 16, 2017
To his daughters: Our family in East Palestine, OH, had the great pleasure of knowing your father many years ago in the 1960s when he performed in Akron's Kenley Players Theater. When traveling through NE Ohio, he would stay at our house to catch up with his Army Buddy "Ace" Helman. Dad called him "Jessie" and I thought that was his name for many years!! I was just a kid but I remember how nice and fun he was.
My father thought the world of him and talked about Clifton frequently even up to the end of his own life in 1996. We all followed his career with delight. With sadness I read today about his passing and thought "what a remarkable man, remarkable life." Please know that we are thinking of you in Ohio and sending our sympathy.
April 16, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family for your loss. May the God of comfort support you during this difficult time.-1Peter 5 : 7
USMC
April 16, 2017
Great character actor always enjoyed his roles. Military hero too thank you sir. R.I.P.
Bobby Wilcox
April 16, 2017
Whether it's a character to be disliked, or one that is laughed at, there are actors who put themselves out there for our entertainment. This man is appreciated for his work , more than a lot of us realize. Throw in the mix being a decorated veteran, and man quite a life he lived. Words cannot match the thanks for what he was and how he lived. It is an honor to be a fellow veteran to him. With a sad heart I send out prayers to all of his family and for his memory.
Harry Simpson
April 16, 2017
Godspeed Clifton, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Clifton, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
E. S.
April 16, 2017
Thank you for your service to our country, I'm glad to see you lead a long full life.
R.I.P.
L Moy
April 16, 2017
May you seek comfort in the promise at Job 33:25 when Clifton will return to the days of his youth as promised.
DAN
April 16, 2017
THANKYOU FOR YOUR SERVICE,GOD BLESS AMERICA,REST IN PEACE..
April 16, 2017
RIP Sir...
Adrian Barnette
April 15, 2017
We'll miss you !
Ms. Zimmerman
April 15, 2017
A life well lived gives credit to our Creator who made us in his image Genesis 1:27. It is no small wonder that we thirst for life to realize our dreams and to search for new adventures. One day soon, our Creator will provide an environment in which we no longer cry from the pain of death. My sincere hope for you and your family.
April 15, 2017
Mr Clifton was a very good actor and we all hate to see him go. He has a big family and that is always nice. They have each other to lean on at this most difficult time. May God give them the comfort and strength that they need. God love you.
April 15, 2017
My condolence goes to the family. May the God of all comfort be you and give you comfort and peace. Php 4: 6, 7
April 15, 2017
I loved him in Gunsmoke. It's sad that he is gone. A very gifted actor
Lt.Col. Wayne Slade (Ret.)
April 15, 2017
Thank You Mr.James for your meritorious
conduct preserving our Country's freedom.
You will not be forgotten.
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