James J. Clinton (Jim) passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at his home at Lake Martin with his family by his side.
Jim was a long-time resident of the Lake Martin community and an active member in the HOBO Association, Willow Point Country Club, Children’s Harbor and other charitable organizations in the area. During the summers while in school, Jim worked as a park ranger at Horseshoe Bend National Park. Jim and Regina were active in local community theater productions in Alexander City. His latest venture was in Podcasts and Acting. Jim maintained a home in Sylacauga, Alabama where he grew up. He started and operated a successful business there. Jim was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church and attended St. Mark the Evangelist in Birmingham and Church in the Pines at Lake Martin.
Jim was born on May 3, 1951, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to Joseph T. and Helen S. Clinton of Ashley, PA. He was a “perfect” child, his mother always said. By age 7, Jim was already quite a musician, playing an accordion that was almost as big as him. He loved playing the accordion at the lake and at family gatherings.
Jim graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1969 after a distinguished career that included awards for debate and after-dinner speaking. His impersonation of Robert F. (Bobby) Kennedy won him statewide recognition. Jim attended the University of Alabama but eventually transferred and graduated from St. Bernard College in Cullman. After graduation, Jim enrolled and graduated from Mercer University School of Law in Macon, Georgia, and passed the bar and practiced law in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Jim married the love of his life, Regina Joiner, in 1994 who became his lifelong partner in all his adventures.
With the assistance and encouragement of his parents, Jim founded AMAZE Corp. in Sylacauga. Jim and Regina have operated AMAZE for over thirty-five years. The business continues to operate under the management of Regina Clinton with products as diverse as disposable paper floor mats to moving and storage products.
Jim was pre-deceased by his parents Joseph T. Clinton and Helen S. Clinton; mother-in-law, Elaine Joiner. He is survived by his wife Regina Joiner Clinton; sisters Kathy C. Sulkis (David) of League City, TX and Ann C. Sewell (Michael) of Birmingham; brother Joseph T. Clinton, Jr. (Caprece) of Sylacauga; niece Christine M. Sulkis of Austin, TX; nephew Michael C. Sulkis of San Francisco, CA; father-in-law Rabon Joiner of Sylacauga; niece Ashley Joiner of Sylacauga; nephew Kyle Joiner of Sylacauga; and faithful dog, Ziggy, a Belgian Malinois.
Visitation will be at Radney Funeral Home, 320 N. Elm Avenue, Sylacauga on Thursday October 5, 2023, from 5-7pm. Mass will be celebrated at St. Jude Catholic Church, 310 Bay Street, Sylacauga on Friday, October 6 at 11am with the Most Reverend F. Richard Van Handel Spencer, Auxiliary Bishop, The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA Vicar, Eastern United States of America officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, 1501 Talladega Highway, Sylacauga immediately following and will include a proper jazz musical send-off led by Dan Seaborn and Friends.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/sylacauga-al/radney-smith-funeral-home/8516.
Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.
