James William Claxton

James (Jim) William Claxton, 87, passed away February 23, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. Born to parents James and Gertrude Claxton October 2, 1933 in Carrollton Kentucky.

Jim grew up working on the tobacco farm and working horses. Jim served in the United States Air Force for 10 years and in the Navy Reserves for 6 years. While in the reserves and working at the base he was a mechanic on the side with his close friend Bill Shepherd.  He then went to work for NADEP at NAS Jacksonville. He retired from NADEP in 1990. After retirement, he drove RV’s for Rivers RV. After leaving Rivers he volunteered at the Clay County Fair. While a volunteer with the fair, he went to work for Clay County as the ground’s supervisor at the Fair Grounds until he got sick in 2006.

Jim married Julia (Judy) Wall in January 1981. Jim was a Baptist by faith. Jim loved nothing more than being outside working in the yard, on cars or anything with a motor. He also loved spending time with family, especially his grandsons or nephews and nieces. 

Jim will be remembered being a hard worker, a family man, a loving husband, Dad, grandfather, uncle, friend, and an all-around tough guy. Once Jim took you under his wing, you were family. He was tough and expected a lot from you but was always fair. He loved deeply.

Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life, Judy Claxton; his parents; sister Virginia; and brother Jerry. He is survived by his daughter Amy Rhee (Raymond); nephew Kyle Goins (Amy); son Ernie Claxton; daughter Pam Claxton; grandsons Austin and Ryan Rhee and James Medlock; granddaughter Jessica; great-grandchildren Allison and Abigail; great nephews Evan and Aiden Goins; great nieces Elly and Eva; and his bonus grandkids, Isaac Tennant and Abigail Tennant. As well as many other family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm - 7:00pm on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in the Broadus-Raines Chapel.