James Thomas Clifton

James Thomas Clifton (“Tom,” “Papa”), August 2, 1942 – March 2, 2024.

Tom Clifton of Hermitage, Tennessee passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 81, surrounded by his loved ones. Survived by his wife & soulmate, Judy Clifton. He is also

survived by daughters Lisa (Jeff) Cagle, Leeanne Hooper (Dick Darr), Stacey (Martin) Starrett,

Shelley (Michael) Atkinson, Stefanie (Josh) Ellis; Grandchildren James Bradford (Michael)

Clifton, Hayden Lee Colton (Toby McIntosh), Jacqueline (Brian) Kampman, Joshua Fulkerson,

Andrew (Kayla), Alex (Ashley) Starrett, Katelyn (Joseph) Morgan, Ryan (Rebecca) Atkinson,

Frank Ellis, Arthur Ellis; great-grandchildren Rylan & Vander Clifton, Avery Lee & Emma Jane

Kampman, Oliver & Aless Starrett, Henry and Evallyn Starrett; brother Robert (Sheron) Clifton; and close friends, Jim (Saundra) West, Harold (Paula) McCormick, and Joe (Linda) Hunt.

He is preceded in death by his parents Nancy Lee and Robert Clifton, aunt Mary Alice “Sissy” Smiley, and grandparents Felix Thomas (Willie Reba) Peach.

Tom, known as “Papa” to most, was the doting patriarch of the Clifton family. He was a kind, honest, hardworking man, who adored his family. He was born and raised in East Nashville, and grew up helping in his grandfather’s pharmacy. A graduate of Isaac Litton High school, where he played on the football team. Tom made a career in the tire industry. He spent his retirement alongside his soulmate, and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. He loved golf, hunting, fishing, guns, mowing his yard twice a week, hosting holidays, cooking, and most importantly, sharing a meal with his family and friends. A meal with Tom always included a well told, vivid story or two, some reminiscing, and a good drink. He will be deeply missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 (p) 800-805-5856

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=impactgiving-bttn-memory&dedication=1&frequency_selected=0