Clara James Rushing

Clara Vivian James Rushing passed away peacefully on April 30th at her residence in Dallas, Texas. Born June 3, 1933, in Oak Hill, W. Va., to Elizabeth Mae Shuck and Thomas William James, Clara was the eldest of three children. She had two brothers, Thomas W. James II and Howard Dale James.

Clara was raised in Oak Hill on a dairy farm managed by her parents and grandparents. She remembered her farmhouse porch being known as a “stop” along the way in the 1930’s for those in need of a meal. And she had fond memories riding her horse and doing tricks and galloping around the fields. She was as tough as her brothers.

Clara graduated from high school in May of 1951 and two weeks later married the love of her life, Oliver C. Rushing. Her mother in tears as she was too “young”, Clara was determined to be with our dad. Together they travelled, raised three daughters and built a life of faith and family. Their 70-year marriage included stops in Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, California, Oregon and Texas.

Clara had many talents and was usually very good at each but her real gift was as an accomplished artist. She began painting in high school and dabbled in classes and various mediums off and on until her daughters left for college. Now able to focus, she started class work at University of Texas Permian Basin under the guidance of Pam Price, who was a major part of her artistic development. One of the many funny stories in her life (she had a good sense of humor) had her grocery shopping after art class in the local store. As she was walking down the aisle with her cart, Clara recognized the nude model and immediately turned around and walked quickly away - too embarrassed to see him. She had an innate sense of color that was woven into her skill of forming the visions in her mind. Subject matter ranged from the West Virginia mountains and farms to the desert in Morocco.

What mattered most to Clara though, was her faith. As her mother did for her, she did for her three daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, instilling a devout and disciplined approach to living a Christian life. Her faith never faltered or failed her through good and tough times.

Clara will be remembered for her beauty, sharp wit and laugh, artistic talents and faith. She is survived by her three daughters Beth Ingram (Robert), Anne Rushing (Bill) and Kathryn Oliver (Dennis); her grandchildren, Kristina Pettus (Wyatt), Ashley Aguirre (Robert), Elise Moore (Patrick), Austin Oliver (Jennifer) and Birkley Oliver; Great grandchildren, Aiden Aguirre, Olivia Pettus, Wyatt Zachary Pettus, Ella Pettus and Brooke Marie Oliver; and her many nieces, nephews, brother- and sisters-in-law.

Clara will be laid to rest with her husband Oliver at a private family burial service at Sparkman Hillcrest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Buckner International, P.O. Box 650990, Dallas, Texas. 75265-0990 (buckner.org).