James Willie McClendon

James Willie McClendon was born to the late Mr. Homer and Tessie McClendon on February 22, 1939 in Baytown, Texas. His parents later moved to Mt. Enterprise, Texas where James spent most of his youth. James teenage years were spent in south east Texas with sisters and aunts while attending High School. James was loved by all.

The elders encouraged him to see the world and suggested "go west, young man" to start a life where there are jobs and opportunity available for a young man. James being the eldest of three boys, knew he would be drafted by the military soon, so James took the elders advice and moved. Finally, he settled down in Winslow, Arizona in 1961.

Shortly after arriving in Winslow, James met the love of his life, Katie Hollins in Holbrook, Arizona. James was drafted by the US Army in January 23, 1962. After bootcamp, he took a short leave to marry his love, Katie Hollins on April 15, 1962 and to this union four children were born.

James moved his family to Tempe, Arizona in 1972. James became a member of Union Institutional Baptist Church in the late 80's and became a Deacon at the church on May 4, 2008. James and Katie lived a wonderful life together for 58 years until God called him home on August 19, 2020.

James leaves his family to celebrate his home going; His wife, Katie McClendon (Tempe, Arizona); two daughters: Pearl (Derrick) Clark (Mesa, Arizona), and Shariee McClendon; Two sons: James Jr. (Shaundrea) McClendon, Edward (Michelle) McClendon; two brothers: Raymond (Arlene) McClendon (Phoenix, Arizona); David (Liz) Bell (San Antonio, Texas); two sisters: Zelma Scales (Houston, Texas); Sally Coleman (Arlington, Texas); eight grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. He is preceded in death by four siblings: Geraldine Smith, Artillia White, Homer Jr., and Inez Griffith.