I am heartbroken!!! I have been searching for you for years!!!! Decided to look one more time today and found this. 
James was my best friend when we were little living in Texarkana! I have missed him for 45 years. James was the kindest, sweetest and most thoughtful friend ever and we were only 5! ❤️ James, I only wish I was able to tell you in person how much you meant to me. You will forever live in my heart! Much love forever until we meet again! Tracy Harrell Saager 

Clay helped me become the man I am today.  He is missed.

Well, as of July 4th, 2010 it has been 6 months since Clay left and moved into a better world.  His birthday is coming up this Saturday, July 17th.  It has been a long 6 months without Clay.  The condo feels very empty.  
He is missed!
Don C.

Though I only met Clay once, I felt I knew him forever!  He was visiting with our friend Marnie when I joined them and he immediatley fell in love with the teal bag I was carrying.  He seemed such a kind and caring person and we talked all night.  I was envious, he had on more bling than I did!  We exchanged addresses and he would send me the most fun postcards adorned with pretty stickers.  What a treat to get real mail correspondence, since email, it's a lost art.  Wherever you are Clay I hope you are happy!  
Robin L Davis

Just want to share with all of those who enjoyed Clay so much, the beginning of "Clay Style" or "Cla

Photos from Clay's Celebration of Life Party. 2-6-2010 Thanks to everyone that participated.   More photos later.  Don C.

I'm having a tearful moment again tonight because I miss Clay.  He was truly one of the most sensative people I've ever known.  He loved all my friends and remembered special personal things about each of them.  My favorite  book that offers me comfort ......."Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."  Quote from "The Little Prince"  That is my friend (our beloved friend) Clay.  I love you!!!  Thank you for being my friend!

there is only one three letter word that described clay: "fun" he was unique and enjoyable and everytime i went over there he always kept me entertained and i will miss him greatly. -Darlene
from the first time i met clay and he came down the stairs in his underware to us decorating easter eggs and him showing me his tattoos at his halloween party he always made me smile. i'm going to miss him alot and he has made a lasting impression on my life and im honored to share the same birthday as him and his cat. -Mouse

this is the last time i saw clay,  and i will never forget it. he's truly made an impact on my life and he will not be forgot! -Mouse

I have known Clay for 14 years. He touched us in so many ways with his humor, jokes, the way he dressed.... and well... just Clay being Clay! There are so many fond memories that my sister Nicole and I have had with him. From all the nightclubs we danced at (especially AXIS), the many moveis we watched at the house on Forest Ave. and the condo, the nights we played pigs & Sparke and drank cocktails until the we-hours, and all the memories at Jack's when he was on Main St. after hours! Those are the days I will remember forever! (along with all of the "green martians" we drank and our "trip" to "gay Parie' " .....What a life of memories...I love ya Visa DeCline!!

Hugs & Kisses....
Your sis...Janelle

Lit a candle in memory of James Clayton McGough

Clay's Celebration of Life PARTY!!!!!!!!
Address:  32 W. Starr Ave  Columbus Oh 43201
February 6th, 2010, Saturday 6 PM Till ?????
Dress = Casual OR "Clay Style" in Honor of Him.
Those that had a positive and supportive attitude for Clay are more then Welcome.

Clay was more than just a great friend to me...He was a fantastic neighbor upon whom I could rely...He was the life of the party, sometimes over-the-top, but always gracious and fun...He was my 'Blanche', and I love him and miss him dearly. 

Clay, your gentle soul lives on within us all...

Clay was certainly one of a kind and will always be missed!

My heart aches to hear your voice again.  You brightened every day that I got to talk to you.  You and Don watched over me when we were neighbors, till the " guy in the Chrysler "came and stole me away.  Thank you for so many fun times together.  They are forever in my heart and memory for the rest of my life.  A true friend you were.  We will do our best to comfort Don in his loss.  Go friend and rest in peace.  You are loved!

I was so very sorry to hear of Clay’s passing. I’ll always remember him as a gentle soul who lived life to the fullest, loved to have fun and never failed to make me laugh. Both Don and Clay were always so generous and hospitable in opening their home with their many parties. Dearest Clay…rest in peace. I won’t forget you.

Clay: Your kind, generous and passionate spirit will grace all of us who knew you. Sorry we never got to make that movie! Keep a watchful eye out for all of us. You'll be dearly missed. Gary Warden

If I tried to write a post expressing how I much I enjoyed knowing Clay, I could go and on.  I will simply say this, “You my friend, will be greatly missed.”

Clay - Now and forever, laissez le bon temps rouler. Jan and Michael

Clay (AKA Blanche) has always been a highlight to my nights...always very sweet and complimentary and very understanding.  He has been a constant in my life for the past year or so, a friendly face, always with a kind word or a sassy comment.  I feel very fortunate to have met him, to have gotten to know him, and to laugh together, as we often did. Thank you for all the good times (and the peanut M&Ms on Christmas Eve;))

Clay had a beautiful spirit.  He helped me feel more comfortable when I started at the library.  He always had time to talk and would lend a hand when needed.  I was a good friend and a great listener.  I'm very sorry I lost touch with him after I left the library.  Tracy Hanson

These are the photos I carry in my purse of Clay and my brother, Don.
There's not anything more that can be said about happiness and love.
There's a hole in our family and our hearts without you, Clay.
Sara & Bob Fox

Sent a gift in memory of James Clayton McGough

I will never forget the day we called you because you were late for work. You were still asleep...in Las Vegas,You never failed to brighten my day.

Exciting, flashy, always ready to have fun!  That's you Clay.  I was lucky to meet and work with you at the library.  You always had an interesting story to tell and you never failed to make me laugh when you commented about something in typical Clay style.  Get togethers at your place or fun at Havana's or Axis, you were host, guide, and entertainer.  There's only one Clay and I'm glad our paths occasionally meandered together.  I've thought of you often and I'll miss you.  We all will.  Russ

We appreciate the dedicated service Clay provided to faculty, staff, students, patients, and families at Nationwide Children's Hospital.  We will always remember your generous spirit and desire to give others the gift of knowledge.

I don't know what to say. You were such a truly unique and special person,I am so sorry you are gone.. You were always so good to me, and I wish I'd been able to return the favor. I wish there had been more time. Don, if there is anything I can do, please don"t hesitate to ask. I am here for you.

I have always remembered you, the memories of you have never faded.  Although it has been forever, it feels like you were just here.  Loosing u has felt like pieces of my heart have been torn out little by little since your passing.  You see your little cousin (Tara) with the blues eyes and blonde hair that you would tease up all over my head so we could play concert, was not prepared to loose you. I remember looking like a monster the next morning.  Your mother would say, "James don’t u tease her hair again!"  I love you and will always remember the memories of my big cousin.

I didn't know him by "Clay." I knew either by James or "Bubba." Boy, would he get mad at me if he knew I said his nickname. You see I grew up with him. He is my first cousin. Boy, do I have lots of memories. He will surely be miss by his family in Arkansas and his family in Columbus as well. I may not have seen him that much while he lived in Columbus, but the memories I do have will always be precious to me. James you might have left us to soon but you will always live in my heart. I have always loved you and always will. I too, will miss you as well.

Your suffering is finally over, Clay.  I believe you are in heaven, looking down on those you love.  Your inner goodness and true self can shine now that you are free of pain, and no longer carrying the weights and sadness of earth.  You touched many lives in various ways, and we were blessed with your fleeting presence.  Peace!   Deborah

You were always the life of the party, always there with open arms...I knew you too little, too briefly, but you had a strong light and presence and I will always remember you.  This is such sad news.  Goodbye, Clay.

Goodbye Clay.  You've always been a sweetie and you'll be missed

I always felt connected to you since our dogs were our kids. I'll miss you proudly showing me pics of your pooches. I'll especially miss your kind, sweet face and spirit, but they're cheering up the angels now...

Sleep well, sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest...

love,
Cricket's Dad

i have so many fond memories of you and i cherish our friendship.  you were always smiling and happy and always knew how to make me feel better when i was down.  i'll never forget the trip we took to las vegas and the wild night at gypsies and all the crazy things we did.  you were the consummate host always, the perfect entertainer and you had the sweetest heart of anyone i know.  i love you and miss you and will always remember you.

Clay on top of the world in Villa Hills, KY Aug. 2000. Pool days with the Hollidays.

Sorry Don, had to do it.  Clay and I loved to tease you about that.  ;)

I will never forget the great time we had at Clay and Don's several years ago when they lived in Schumacher Place - they had a Fabulous Mardi Gras Party at their house in the middle of an Ohio winter - Clay and Don were the perfect host - they showed off their wine cellar with all the Vampire Wine, we had some great food and drink, enjoyed a COLD carriage ride in the Village and got to spend some good time with Clay and Don - what a memory - I will always cherish that night and that's the way I will always remember Clay - forever young, fun and the PERFECT host ............ Dwight

I feel lucky to have met Clay through the restaurant and it was a pleasure to have Don and Clay as neighbors for the last four years. Clay was an extremely kind and sweet person who showed a genuine interest and affection for myself and my family. He is in our thoughts and is sorely missed.

You are the kindest person I have ever met.  Your Southern charm always made me smile and comforted me.  I will miss your laughter, dress-up: kilt-wearing/combat boots/mardi gras beads/boas/tiaras/various colored hair....green my favorite, our endless girl talks, our shared love of The Cure, dancing till there was no tomorrow, your first camping trip, your love of animals, your "shocked" reactions, our love for Halloween, and our kindred experiences of the spirit world.  I love you Clay.  I miss you. And I hope to feel/experience your spirit around me.  Carla Harris

2 files added to the album New Orleans 2006

This is a perfect memory of Clay.  He loved life and he loved to smile.

Two of Clay, Parker & Chance's favorite friends - Brutus & Peanut - with owner.  :)  Brutus and Peanut miss you Clay!

You are, and forever will be, a fun and gentle soul.  You instantly won me over because you never shied away from a raging party or a fuzzy animal in distress.  Between your love of Cyndi Lauper, Lady GaGa, Cher, and the blue VW beetle, as well as your excitement everytime you got a new mask or tattoo, carrying on a conversation with you was always a pleasant adventure away from the doldrums of reality.  I miss your smile, your stories, and your greeting presence.   I miss you deeply and pray that God has taken away all of your pain.  Jenn Urban (and Brutus, Peanut, and Chipotle too)

Clay was a wonderful, joyous person to be around.  He knew no bounds.  I never realized how big and empty this condo would be without him.  Parker and Willie are missing you - clay.
Love Don

8 files added to the album New Album Name

Clay was one of the first people that I met in Columbus when I first ventured on my own many moons ago. I always remember lots of laughing when I was with Clay. Such a humble, positive, funny, wonderful person I had the honor to know. I can't wait to see you again. Love you much.

Jarrod

OBITUARY

James Clayton McGough

July 17, 1968 – January 4, 2010

Schoedinger Midtown

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