James Elbert Clements

James Elbert Clements

Jan. 31st, 1958 – Sept. 16th, 2026

Born to Odie B. Brown and Elbert James Clements on Jan. 31st, 1958, in Lake Wales Florida. A lifelong resident of Polk County, it is where he would plant roots for his own family and create a life and legacy that will live on in all the lives he touched.

He is survived by his sister Ardell C. Tapley. His five children James Clements Junior, Jason Clements (wife Rita Clements), Joey Clements (wife Brandi Clements), Odie Renee Clements, and Shirley Tatum (husband David Tatum), as well as his 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Katie Clements, sister Rachel May Vinson, and Daughter-in-law Rita Clements (wife of Jason Clements).

James was a simple man with a simple purpose in life: to serve his Lord and Savior, work hard, and provide for his family.

He was a humble man who never realized just how extraordinary he truly was. James was a hard worker. For most of his life, he was a trucker, spending countless miles on the road doing what he knew how to do best, work hard and take care of his family. In his later years, he sold produce, continuing to work and stay busy. During those years, he had his loving wife, Katie, by his side as his faithful sidekick. Together, they made some of their best memories, meeting people, sharing laughs, and building friendships that would last a lifetime. Work was never something James was afraid of. He believed in putting his hands to something, doing it right, and doing whatever needed to be done. And with Katie by his side, those working days became some of the most cherished chapters of their lives.

James was the embodiment of strength, kindness, determination, and love. He never met a stranger and just had a way of making people feel welcome. He loved spending time in the mountains at his Alabama home, riding his Harley, and tinkering with an old car, truck, or just about anything in between. But most importantly, he loved doing these things with his family. Spending time with his wife Katie, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and animals brought him his greatest joy. And yes, the animals were family too. James had a special soft spot for his dogs and loved them dearly. For James, the best moments in life were the simple ones, being surrounded by the people and animals he loved, doing the things that made him happy.

He understood better than most just how precious life was. He was the recipient of a heart transplant and to be given that gift was something he never took for granted. For the next fourteen years, he appreciated every single day he was given. He made the most of those years, not by chasing after things that didn't matter, but by spending his time with the people and the things he loved most.

Perhaps the greatest way we can honor James now is to carry forward the things that mattered to him. To work hard. To love our families. To appreciate the time we are given. To help others. To never meet a stranger. To find joy in the simple things. And above all, to keep our faith.

James was a simple man with a simple purpose.

But the impact of a life like his is anything but simple.

He leaves behind memories that will live on in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and in every person whose life he touched.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.