James Clifton

James William “Jim” Clifton, 75 year old Seminole, Oklahoma resident, passed from this life Saturday, September 21, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born August 6, 1944 in Quinton, Oklahoma to parents Mary Grace (Reeves) Clifton and John Isaac Clifton.

Jim graduated from Kiowa High School.

On June 10, 1965 Jim married the love of his life Roberta Pearl “Bobbie” (Littlefield) in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Jim was a hard worker as a self-taught carpenter, a project superintendent and after retirement, a self-employed home builder. Jim spent most of his life in Oklahoma, but was fortunate enough to travel with the company he worked for and lived in California, Virginia, Maine, Texas, Arkansas and Kansas. The family will forever remember their dad each time they visit Disneyland, because Jim was the building superintendent and helped build some of the rides at California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort. He loved what he did and he was extremely good at it. He recently sat down over breakfast with a good friend and drew out a house plan,on a napkin,to build a home. No official blueprints were ever made. Jim built the home from knowledge, skill and hard work. He worked together with his son and taught him his skill over his lifetime.

Jim was a member of the Seminole Church of Christ. He loved his faith, his church family, his wife of 52 years, his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. He made sure every one was taken care of. He was a simple person who never complained and he taught his family by example more than with words.Jim loved sports, especially college football! He loved to watch his kids play sports and later in life, loved watching his grandchildren play. He loved to camp with his wife and he loved to fish. He liked sight-seeing and spending time with his family. His home was never quiet. His brothers and sisters were always in and out visiting and he had a great relationship with all 14 of them! The stories they all tell are amazing. His children were always visiting too. For family and friends to travel miles to spend time with you says a lot about a person. Jim was respected and loved by many. He will be missed.

Survivors include one son, Dewayne W. Clifton and his wife Stephanie of Seminole, Oklahoma; four daughters, Shelly Draz and her husband Chuck of Wewoka, Oklahoma, Laurie Clifton of Seminole, Oklahoma, Valerie Allen and her husband Robert of Apple Valley, California, Windie Peterson and her husband Terry of Apple Valley, California; four brothers, Don Clifton and his wife Halina of Oklahoma, Fred Clifton and his wife Connie of Texas, Roy Clifton and his wife Cindy of Michigan, Joe Clifton and his wife Carolyn of Oklahoma; three sisters, Joyce Treat and her husband Mike of Washington, Terri Church and her husband Mike of Arizona, Mary Walker and her husband Wayne of Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents John and Grace Clifton, by his wife of 52 years Roberta Pearl “Bobbie” Clifton who died February 15, 2017.  Jim was also preceded in death by 4 brothers, Claude Clifton, Frank Clifton, Sam Clifton and Coy Clifton, and by 3 sisters, Vera McAlister, Norma Jean Page and Ina Mae Clifton and granddaughter Savannah Rose Draz.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 27, 2019 at the Seminole Church of Christ with Chris Stinnett and Palmer Smith officiating the service.  Burial will follow at Little Cemetery where Jim will be laid to rest by his wife.

Casket Bearers will be: Robert Byrd, Chuck Draz, Terry Peterson, Bob Allen, Chayse Beckham and Cody Clifton.

Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.