Lee “Clyde” James passed May 7, 2015. Clyde was born in Phoenix, AZ to Thomas Clyde Jr. (T-Bone) James & Mary Nell (Mrs. T-Bone) James Sept 13, 1942. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Pat) James, children William (Bill) James, Rebecca (Becky) Fretz, David James, Sharla Dyar, grandchildren Chrissy Rose, Lisa Kerr, Brett Kerr, Lorne Heintze, Teresa James, Kalisa Maloney, Ryan Maloney, Claire James, Mattie James, great grandchildren, Danielle and Taylor Rose and sister Katheryn (Kaye) Lyman.
In 1965 Clyde married Pat in Scottsdale, Arizona. They came to Durango on their honeymoon, went home, packed all their belongings in the smallest U-Haul trailer available and moved to Durango where they have resided for the past 49 years.
Clyde worked for Weidman Sawmill, James and Sons (his own trucking business and feed store), Creamland Dairy, caretaker for Dr. Donald and Sammie Bricker and La Plata County Road and Bridge where he retired January 9, 2015. He was also a part time rancher raising beef cattle and AQHA horses.
Clyde grew up in the stock yards in Phoenix alongside his father T-Bone and was known as little “T”. He never lost his love and knowledge of the beef and cattle industry and could guess the weight of livestock within 10#.
He loved the surrounding country of Durango and spent many years hunting, fishing and horseback riding in the mountains with friends and family.
Clyde was a devoted member of Pine Valley Church in Bayfield, Colorado. He enjoyed watching TV evangelist, reading spiritual books and listening to gospel music. He was a member of Four Corners Cutting & Reining Association, Back Country Horseman, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, and a lifetime NRA member. His most recent exciting adventures included an alligator hunt and sky diving in Florida and a helicopter ride in Hawaii.
He was an exceedingly generous man and known by all for his contagious smile, positive attitude, and encouraging words.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 22, 2015, 4:00 p.m. at Pine Valley Church, 1328 CR 501, Bayfield, CO.
Memorial donations may be made to: Pine Valley Church Arena Fund; Pine Valley Church, PO Box 740, Bayfield, CO 81122 or Cross Bar X Youth Ranch; 2111 CR 222, Durango, Co 81303