James "JIM" Burton Clifford's Obituary
James Burton “Jim” Clifford, 61, Okmulgee resident and educator, died Thursday, March 11, 2010 in Okmulgee. He was born on October 11, 1948 in Henryetta, Oklahoma to Preston “Jack” Clifford and Mozelle Clark Clifford. Jim graduated from Henryetta High School in 1966; earned a B.A. Degree in Music from East Central State college; M.S. Degrees in both Counseling and Administration from Northeastern State University; and pursued graduate music studies at Tulsa University. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the following educational organizations: Oklahoma Retired Educators Association; Cooperative Council of School Administrators and the Oklahoma Education Association as well as the National Education Association.
He was hired by the Okmulgee Public School system. He married Rosalie Gillum on October 30, 1970. Jim’s educational career spanned forty years, with thirty of those being an administrator. His first job as a music teacher at Okmulgee Junior High School, Okmulgee High School and at Attucks, the sixth grade center in Okmulgee; Principal of the Intermediate School in Little Axe; Henryetta as Counselor for the Elementary School and Principal of Webster Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center as well as Henryetta Elementary School; Principal at Eastside, Westside, Okmulgee Elementary and retiring from his position as Principal at Okmulgee Primary School on March 1, 2010 due to his battle against leukemia.
His parents and a grandson, Gavin Michael Hare, preceded Jim in death. Survivors include his loving wife Rosalie of the home, son Jeremy Todd Clifford and wife Candice of Preston, OK, two daughters Cristina Michelle "Cristy" Clifford from Okmulgee, Bradley Page Clifford of the home, Granddaughters Eden Lawson of Broken Arrow, Ok, Reagan Hare of Salmon, ID, sisters Shelba Rayburn and husband Glendel of Ardmore, OK and Patricia Leach and husband Jesse of Henryetta, OK.
Funeral services will be Monday, March 15, 2010 at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Craig Denslow officiating. Burial will follow in the Okmulgee Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday 12-6 pm and Sunday 1-6 pm. The family will be available at the funeral home 1-3 on Sunday. Pallbearers will be Eric Leach, jeff leach, Travis Rayburn, Randy Rayburn, Dewayne Rains, Jeff Perkins. Honorary will be Joe Nix, Clint Eager and Billy McClure.
They request memorials be sent to Leukemia Society of America, Oklahoma Chapter, 3613 N.W. 56th. #230, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. McClendon-Winters Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at mcclendon-wnters.com.
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