James Clinton

James Darius Clinton, age 82, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at Saint Vincent Health Center.

He was born in Erie, PA on March 23, 1931, son of the late Reverend James and Lorraine Henry Clinton.

James served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was employed in the maintenance Department at The Erie Housing Authority.

He was the Founder and Past Master of the Booker T. Washington International F & A.M. Lodge No. 9 and was a member of the Second Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board. He also sang with the male chorus, worked as an audio engineer, participated in the Sunday School Department and served as a van driver. James enjoyed singing , fishing, working with electronics, video cameras and eating good southern cooking. He was a devoted husband and father always enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his two wives, Isabella Wells Clinton and his third wife Lucille Hodges Clinton, a daughter, Phylis Nevins, a brother, Daniel Gaines, three sisters; Dorothy Purdue, Daisy Cox and Elmer Jones.

He leaves to cherish his memory; seven sons; James Clinton (Sue), of Springfield, VA., Paul Clinton (Deborah), of Philadelphia, Pa., Maurice Clinton of Erie, Desi Clinton (Gwen) of Atlanta, GA, John Wells of Erie, Gregory Wells (Jackie) of Erie, Lester Hodges of Erie, seven daughters; Regina Vinson (Emanuel) of Philadelphia, Pa., Loretta Clinton, LaGrange, Ga., Sheila Brown of Clearwater, Fl., Monique Graves (Kevin) of Erie, Janice Johnson and Vanessa Tate of Buffalo, NY, and Hildreath Hollis of Erie. He also leaves two sisters; Doris Cox of LaGrange, IL and Dessie Talcott of Ithaca, NY. 64 Grandchildren, 95 Great grandchildren, 8 Great Great Grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends also remain.

Friends may call on Friday from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at The Second Baptist Church 757 East 26th Street Erie, PA 16504. A masonic ceremony will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. at the church. A funeral service will be held on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Allen B. Green officiating with full military honors to follow.

Burial in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

Memorial Donations may be made to Diabetes Association of Erie 1128 State Street Erie, PA 16501.

Arrangements are under the care of Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 602 West Tenth Street, Erie, Pa. 16502.