JAMES A. CLEMONS

James Alfred Clemons, age 78, son of the late James and Maybell Clemons of Decatur, AL died Saturday, April 11, 2015, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was a loving, easy-going man with a caring spirit who always seemed to see the positive and bright side of everything. He was the patriarch of the Clemons family and was loved and highly respected by so many because of his good nature and his deep faith in God. He loved watching his grandchildren participate in sports and was an avid University of Alabama sports fan.

He was born February 7, 1937, and grew up in Decatur, AL. He was baptized when he was 14 years old and became a member of Somerville Road Church of Christ. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1955. He attended Florence State University and graduated in 1959 with a degree in accounting. He joined the US Army and completed basic training at Fort Benning Georgia, then served in the National Guard. In 1961 he was hired by NASA, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, as an accountant and retired with 40 years of government service. He worked in the Financial Management Office as a Division Chief and thoroughly enjoyed his work as an accountant and an auditor, receiving many awards, medals and commendations for his service.

James is survived by his daughter, Laura Clemons Taylor, and her mother, Mary Kate Clemons; two grandchildren, Sydney Taylor and Bradley Taylor; two sisters, Marlene Clemons and Marguerite Clem (Shelby); brother, Marlin Clemons; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Brad Clemons, who died at age 16 of Cystic Fibrosis; brother, Mike Clemons; parents James and Maybell Cheatham Clemons; and nephew, Steve Clem.

A special thanks to James' brother, Marlin Clemons, and sister, Marlene Clemons, who served as his caregivers and kept him in his home until he died. Also, thanks to Dr. James and Dr Norwood for their wonderful care of him.

A service will be held Wednesday April 15, 2015 at Ridout''s Brown-Service Chapel at 11:00 am and the family will receive friends from 10:30 until 11:00, with a private burial to follow in Decatur city cemetery.

Brother Gary Patton will conduct the graveside service.

Pallbearers will be members of the Somerville Road Church of Christ.

Flowers are welcome, or you may make contributions to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation /Alabama Chapter - Birmingham at www.cff.org.