James Edgar Clinton

James Edgar Clinton, 89, of Hamilton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:00 AM Saturday morning, February 20, 2021 at Unity Point Hospital in Keokuk.

James was born March 12, 1931, in Keokuk,  Iowa the son of Isaac Edgar and Esther Viola (Long) Clinton.  James was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart Barbara Delvina Milligan on December 19, 1948, at the First Christian Church in Keokuk.  From this union three children were born, Linda (Thomas) Wray, Daniel (Sandy) Clinton and Cathy (Brian) Baker.  Surviving are two children, Linda Wray and Daniel Clinton, also surviving are two grandsons, Clinton (Nicole) Wray and KJ Jones; two granddaughters, Brandy (Mike) Johnson and Lindi (Danny) Smith; six great grandchildren, London, Lincoln and Lennan Wray, Samantha and Christopher Johnson and Celia Smith; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; a daughter, Cathy Baker; his parents; two sisters, Peggy Clinton and Esther Harrison; and one grandson, Todd Wray.

At age 16 James joined the Army Air Corps with his father’s permission.  He was stationed in the Philippines where he held the position of Postmaster.  Then he was stationed in Japan and attended Radar School.  James received an Honorable Discharge.  After returning home he was employed at National Carbide until they closed.  Then he was employed at Whiz-Mow in Warsaw.  He later purchased the building and renamed it Production Engineering.  He was the factory production engineer owner and operator with Barb for 20 years.  Jim attended Keokuk schools and later received his GED.  He was a member of the First Christian Church where he was a member of the Friendly Class and also served as an Elder. He also enjoyed playing church softball. He was a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, VFW, Southside Boat Club, Warsaw Ambulance Service and National EMT.  He had also served as mayor of Warsaw. He cherished the times with Barb traveling all over the United States on their motorcycle and boating with family and friends on the Mississippi. Over the years, Jim taught many people how to water ski.  Jim coached Cub Scouts baseball and The Sparks for years. The Cub Scout teams never lost a game, unfortunately the Sparks only recorded one win.  Jim was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Jim’s favorite place to dine out with his family, was DJ’s restaurant in Warsaw for chicken.  His best friend “Snoopy” was his loving cat. He will be greatly missed!

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 26, 2021, at the Keokuk National Cemetery with Pastor David Turner officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to services from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Printy Funeral Home in Hamilton. Friends and family welcome. The Hancock County Honor Guard will provide military rites.  Memorials may be directed to P.A.W.S. in Fort Madison, Iowa or Every Step Hospice in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.  Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.

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