James Morris Claiborne was born on January 1st, 1937, in Paducah Texas to Winona and Stanley Claiborne. Jim passed away July 7th, 2023, in Orlando Florida surrounded by his family. Jim had one older sister Carolyn who preceded him in death, as well as two grandsons; Derek Claiborne and Troy Lasater. Funeral arrangements will be on July 17th, 2023, at LDS Church 1320 East 1975 South Bountiful Utah. Viewing 9:45am-10:45am. The funeral will begin at 11:00am. Graveside service will follow at Wasatch Lawn memorial 3401 South Highland Drive Millcreek, Utah 84106.
Jim the most loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather is survived by his wife, JoEllen, daughter Jessica Lynn, daughter Carey Jill, twin sons Jack Randall and James Russell, son Jon Eric, daughter Kimberly Joy, 17 grandchildren and many great grandchildren and his faithful dog Bud.
Jim grew up and attended school in Midland, Texas. Upon graduation Jim married JoEllen Erickson on July 3rd, 1957, and celebrated 66 years of marriage. Jim joined the United States Marine Corp and served as a reservist for 8 years. He worked for Gulf Oil Company as a Draftsman. He went on to become an oil scout for an Independent Company. Later in life he moved on to become a long-haul driver and worked for P.I.E, Hatchco, CR England, Dick Simon, UPS and ended his career with Overnite Transportation.
Jim was a competitive softball player and coach and instilled a love of sports into all his family. Jim loved all of God’s creatures and this love of animals was shown by all the different pets such as horses, dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, rabbits, turtles, fish, ducks, chickens and Guinea pigs.
Jim had the personality and natural charisma to make friends no matter the situation, and his laugh was infectious to everyone around him. A man of many stories, some factual and others not so factual, all that would draw out inspiring conclusions.
Jim was a truly great man whose impact will be forever felt by his family, which loves and misses him dearly. He was a selfless man whose passing left an unfillable gap in our family. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, love and forgive will remain forever with his family.
