James “Jim” Urban Clayton, 74, died on March 13, 2019, in Austin, Texas. He was born on January 8, 1945, in McAllen, Texas, and was the second of three children. The family eventually settled in Fort Bend County. He was a proud native Texan and spoke of it often.
He was a 1963 graduate of Lamar Consolidated High School, where he was a two-sport letterman, particularly a standout football player. He was lovingly known as “Cheech” to all of his LCHS classmates. He attended The University of Texas - Pan American and Stephen F. Austin State University.
Jim married Judy Gerland on July 20, 1968. Together, they had two children, Jennifer and Todd. They remained married until her death in 1986.
As a salesman in industrial water treatment for most of his career, he was afforded many lasting relationships across the country. He was a devoted and loyal friend. He was a fierce competitor and a diehard Texas Longhorn and Houston Astros fan.
His absolute pride and joy were his five granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. He had a unique relationship with each one and loved and supported them unconditionally. He said his biggest regret would be to not be present for all of their graduations and other life achievements.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Carole Clayton; his father, Leon Victor Clayton; and his brother, Edward “Burns” Clayton.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Jennifer and husband, Ryan Palm; son, James “Todd” and wife, Sarah Clayton; granddaughters, Haley, and husband Ryan Tenscher; Avery Claire, Payton, and Gretchen Palm and Emma Clayton; great grandchildren, Clayton and Brooke-Marie Tenscher; mother, Eddie Grace Clayton; sister, Ann Riddell; sister-in-law, Barbara James; and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a memorial service on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the Clements-Wilcox Chapel in Burnet, Texas. Jennifer and Todd would like to specifically thank his entire Medical ICU and Palliative Care teams at Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas for their extraordinary care and compassion during his last days. Memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7
Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home in Burnet, Texas.
