James Edward Clements

James Edward Clements, 98, a former long time resident of Stuarts Draft, passed away at 10:30 PM Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at Birch Gardens. He was born October 26, 1914 in Amherst County, a son of the late Corbett and Hallie Pearl Ogden Clements. In the late 1930s, he was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) that constructed the Skyline Drive. A United States Navy Veteran, he served his country from March 6, 1944 until his discharge on October 29, 1945. He retired from the local DuPont Company after 40 years of service. He was a member and trustee of the Sherando United Methodist Church, where he also served on the cemetery committee and in other capacities of the church. He was a charter member of the Sher-Lynd Ruritan Club and was instrumental in the development of the Sherando Community Center. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Marie Clements; sisters, Minnie Snyder, Sara Clark, Ruth Moran, Mildred Clements and Dorothy Snyder; brothers, Leonard Clements, Francis Clements and Fred Clements. Survivors include his wife of 75 years, Opal Clements; two sons, David Clements and wife Barbara of Stuarts Draft, Eugene Clements and wife Karen of Mississippi; two daughters, Nancy Swartz and husband Fred of Bridgewater, Alice Clements of Stuarts Draft; a brother, Donnie Clements of Texas; a sister, Evelyn Whiteside of Vesuvius; seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Sherando United Methodist Church with the Rev. Clayton Payne and Charles Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites provided by the Stuarts Draft Post 9339. Active pallbearers will be Chass Clements, Cory Clements, Justin Parsons, Tim Ketten, Sonny Cox and Mike Clements. Honorary pallbearers will be his great grandchildren and members of Sherando United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Friday, December 7, 2012 from 6-8:00 PM at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sherando United Methodist Church, 2022 Howardsville Tpke, Stuarts Draft, Virginia 24477. Family and friends are invited to share a memory, send condolences and sign the guest book by visiting www.reynoldshamrick.com