James Donald Clanton

Mr. James ( Jim) Donald Clanton of Statesville , NC, 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 , NC. Jim’s twin sister passed a month following her birth. Other siblings who preceded him were Raymond, Owen, Rachel Stikleather and Macella Pharr. One brother , Rev. Bob Clanton survives.

Jim served in the Army during the Korean War. Basic training was at Ft. Leonardwood , 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 , Tx and Shallotte, NC, 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 the following: grandchildren , Kevin Templeton, Amber Evans, April Magnao, Sarah Stacey, Adam Robertson, Ashley Steele and Leanna Clanton. A number of nephews and nieces 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: parks, churches, theaters , radio stations, weddings, concerts , ect. 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 Co, 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 1:30pm, 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 donors choosing .

Revelation ( 14:13b kjv) proclaims for Jim and all the faithful who are in Christ: “ Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit , that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.