James A. Clemmons Jr., 85, of Highland, Ill., born Nov. 16, 1925, in Tupelo, Miss., died Thursday, April 28, 2011, at Faith Care Center in Highland, Ill.

Mr. Clemmons was a former member of Hope Lutheran Church in Pompano Beach, Fla., American Legion Post 439-Highland, Ill., and Ole Miss Alumni Association.

James was born in Tupelo, Miss., and grew up here. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He graduated from University of Mississippi, and moved to Florida and worked for the Social Security Administration. He and his wife lived in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, Fla. In his retirement he worked in sales for Sears. He moved to Highland Sept. 11, 2001. He and his wife traveled the world. He enjoyed taking pictures, model trains, and entertaining friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen F., nee Franz, Clemmons, whom he married on May 12, 1962, and who passed away Jan. 23, 2010; his parents, James A. and Corinne, nee Boswell, Clemmons Sr.; a brother, Thomas S. Clemmons Sr.; and a nephew, Jay D. Conrad.

Surviving are his sisters-in-law, June Franz-Bohnenstiehl of Highland, Ill., and Pat Clemmons of Dallas, Texas; nephews, Thomas S. (Catherine) Clemmons Jr., of Dallas, Texas, Darrell F. Conrad of Alhambra, Ill., Kem E. (Kathy) Conrad of Alhambra, Ill., and Larry (Kathleen) Niggli of Highland, Ill.; nieces, Marilyn L. (Larry) Rickher of Highland, Ill., Ellen (Ron) Denton of Bowling Green, Ky., and Kay (Harold) Schuermann of St. Louis, Mo.; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Countryside Homes.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2011, and 8 to 10 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2011, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2011, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill., with Rev. Philip H. Kershner, Pastor of Marine United Church of Christ in Marine, Ill., officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, Ill.