James grew up in Oak Ridge, where his Dad worked at K-25 when it was a gated community during the WWII era. James talked about slipping onto the K-25 reservation as a kid to pick fruit from orchards from the old abandoned homes. He worked for 11 years at ORNL as a computer operator, back when computers took up a whole room. He later designed and built some very unique homes, and also did remodeling work. Later in life he was an owner operator truck driver for a number of years and enjoyed traveling the country with his wife. He was also a very talented craftsman. After retirement he made some wonderful and unique crafts. One of James’ favorite things was riding through the Great Smoky Mountains and picnicking. He also loved classic cars and restored a number of them over the years. James and Randi would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Hazel Clay. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Randi; son, Jim Clay of Kodak, TN; daughters, Linda Fowler of Alabama, and Carole (and her husband, Scot) Janssen of Virginia; brother, Tom Clay of Oak Ridge, TN; and sister, Rhonda (and husband, Don) Fowler of Alabama; grandchildren, Matt Fowler and Billy Fowler, both of Alabama; Bailey Withers of Virginia; two great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Steve Johnson and his wonderful staff at Rocky Top Medical Center for their care and support over the past several years. We would also like to thank the staff of Covenant Hospice for the very short, but very loving care he received in his last days.
The family will receive friends at in the Chapel of Sherwood Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, April 17, from 12 to 1 pm, with funeral services to immediately follow.
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