James Clifford

1927 - 2018

Rev. James Clifford, 91
July 24, 1927 - Aug. 29, 2018
Reverend James A. Clifford, 91, retired Pastor of the Laud Christian Church, went to his eternal home at 4:10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018 from Miller's Merry Manor, Columbia City.
He was born July 24, 1927 in Cynthiana, Harrison County, Ky. a son of the late Martin Luther and Grace May (Blades) Clifford. His formative years were spent in Cynthiana. Legally blind from birth, he attended Louisville Male High School and completed high school education at the Kentucky School for the Blind. He continued his education at the Cincinnati Bible Seminary becoming an ordained minister.
On Sept. 14, 1953 he was united in marriage to Barbara Jane Davis, who was a fellow student at the Cincinnati Bible Seminary. They made their first home in Scio, NY later moving to New Paris, OH. They then transferred to Wayne and Enon, OH before moving to Marion. After a short assignment in Fort Wayne, the couple moved to Jefferson Twp., Whitley County where he served the Saturn and Laud Christian Churches. Barbara died Nov. 8, 2016.
In addition to his ministerial duties, he worked for the Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services for the Blind from 1966 to 1983. He assisted the blind with employment opportunities and work skills. He was a past-president of the Indiana Association of Workers for the Blind.
With his adult life devoted to the Christian ministry, he faithfully taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a loving and supportive husband and father to the couple's four children. He enjoyed being with people and in his retirement worked as a greeter for Smith & Sons Funeral Home.
He is survived by his four children, Howard Clifford, Mary Jane Clifford, Carolyn Clifford Hindbaugh, all of Columbia City and Daniel (Connie Hawkins) Clifford of South Whitley; four grandsons, Colin (Kelly) Clifford, Phyneus James (Francine Melia) Scott, Scott A. Hindbaugh and Clifford Reece Hawkins; two great grandchildren, Howard Michael Clifford and Phoebe Regan Clifford; and a sister, Ollie Calvin.
Additionally, he was preceded in death by a half-brother, Martin Evan Clifford and two half-sisters, Goldie Jackson Florence and Mildred Francis Slade.
The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is in the South Park Annex Cemetery. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Laud Christian Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.