James William Clements

James William Clements was born on Friday, March 28th, 1941 in the home off Jackson Street, in Covington, Va to the late Jack B. Clements and Edith S. Clements. He grew up at the birth of Rock and Roll music, Hot Rod cars, and “Bobbed” Harley Davidson motorcycles.

At 17 he left Covington, VA and joined the U.S. Navy. He served from 1958-1963, and served on board the USS Shangri La, the U.S.S. Oriskany (The Mighty O), and the U.S.S Duncan (The Dirty D). He travelled to Japan, Hawaii, the Philippines, and off the coast of Vietnam.

In Japan he began his lifelong journey as a martial artist. He obtained black belts in multiple styles including: Shotokan, Chang Moo Kwan, and Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo. He ran karate schools under his own system, Kami Bushi Shin Kai. He has since relinquished Soke to his son, Brad Clements. He trained boxers and kickboxers.

He served as a Detective in Iredell County sheriff’s department from the mid 60’s to the mid 70’s. He was a qualified diver, an undercover officer, and once pulled over Dickey Betts, Allman brother guitarist, in Love Valley, NC.

After law enforcement, he concentrated on his trade as a tool and die maker. His love for music, motorcycles, cars, and martial arts continued all his earthly days, and his creativity as a tradesman can still be found on custom Harleys around the area. He was a sailor, patriot, teacher, philosopher, a forever-student, seeker of Truth, adventurer, Biker, Husband, Father, Grandfather. He was known as “Clem”, “Detective”, “Boatswain’s Mate”, “Soke”, “Outlaw”, but his favorite titles were “Stud Muffin”, from his wife Linda Clements, “Dad” from his children, and “Papaw Davidson” from his grandchildren and Great grandchildren.

Dad fought his last fight on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024. He left behind many friends, family, and Brothers to honor him including: his wife of 20 years, Linda Clements: his children Bradley Clements (Heather), Carl Butner III (Stephanie), daughter Rebecca Crawford (Dennis), and Jamie Clements (Cindy), His Brother Johnny Clements (Montra), 14 grandchildren and 5 Great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Junie Clements and sister, Dawn Rankin

Dad eagerly anticipated meeting his patron saint, Michael the Arch angel, and his Lord, Jesus Christ. If our Heavenly Father keeps a written account of all his children. James Clements gave him a very interesting read, with chapters not even mentioned here.

A Celebration of Dad’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made for Melanoma Cancer Research through the Carolinas Melanoma and Immunotherapy Fund at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute c/o Atrium Health Foundation, 7800 Providence Road, Suite 208, Charlotte NC 28226 or via their Web site: Donate to Cancer Causes (atriumhealthfoundation.org)

Condolences and memories may be sent to the Clements Family at www.drumfh-conover.com

The Clements family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.