Memorial
James W. Clifton (90) of Cedar Rapids passed away April 12, 2019 at Willow Gardens in Marion, Iowa. Visitation will take place Tuesday April 16, 2019 at 1pm with the funeral service to follow at 2pm at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial will immediately follow the service in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
James Wendall Clifton was born April 20, 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri to James and Alma (Wolford) Clifton. He joined the Navy in June of 1946 as an Aviation Photographer’s Mate for WWII. James was married to Elwanda Jeanne Garrett on December 14, 1952 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. James worked at Westinghouse and then worked 30 years at Collins Radio Group, Rockwell-Collins.
His hobbies included photography, reading, birdwatching, gardening, swimming, camping, fishing, shortwave radio, being a newsletter publisher and taking long walks with his wife. He was a member of the National Audubon Society Cedar Rapids chapter and the Hawkeye Bicycle Association.
James is survived by his children Loretta Clifton of Phoenix, Arizona; Audrey (Ron) Cavanagh of Streator, Illinois; Wendell Clifton of Marion, Iowa; and Robin Siedel of Ft. Worth, Texas; four grandchildren Mary Jo Wiemholt, Melissa Emke, Amber Clifton, Ryan Clifton; nine great grandchildren Corin, Carmen, Rowen, Brayden, Zachary, Annora, Alexandria, Amelia, Jaxon; and many stepchildren, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his younger brother Donald Clifton and younger sister Jean Slate.