James W. Clayton (77) of Springfield, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.  James, fondly known as Jim or Jimmy, was born on September 26, 1946, to Carl and Carrie Clayton in Savannah, GA. Jimmy graduated from Savannah High School in 1964 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia in 1969. Jimmy was a lover of all things sports-related. For years he was the sports announcer for local Savannah television stations and later moved into advertising sales. His years in the television industry allowed him to travel to multiple states throughout the country, visit famous sports venues, and interview many sports legends. The friends he made during those years remained loyal to and fond of him even after retirement, especially his good friend Rick Snow who was his "faithful companion," as Jimmy called him, while he was hospitalized for so many weeks. Jimmy was known by everyone to be an avid UGA fan, as Georgia sports (especially football) was the main topic of his conversations. His hobby was attending and following Georgia sporting events of any kind.

Jimmy is survived by his wife Patsy of 54 years and two children, Jamie (Karla) and Keri (Scott), as well as his five grandchildren: Kayden (17), Samuel (12), Kinsley (11), Sydney (10), and Keegan (9). He is also survived by his sister Scarlett Thayer, many nieces and nephews, and his best traveling and Bulldog buddies Ronnie and Cherry Harden.

When Jimmy wasn't attending UGA games, he loved spending his spare time with his grandchildren. Pop, as he was known to them, picked them up from school, took them on trips, took them to the movies and to get ice cream, and attended all of their events. He was always looking for ways to spend more time with his grands and, in doing so, has left them with memories to last their lifetimes.  Furthermore, Jimmy loved attending First Baptist Church of Rincon, where he had been a member for over 30 years. He had a firm faith in Jesus and served as a teacher in the youth department at RFBC for many years before becoming a member of the Brotherhood Sunday school class.

Jimmy's funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024. Visitation will take place at 9:30-10:45 am before the service at Rincon First Baptist Church.  The service will begin at 11:00 am followed by a brief graveside service at Effingham Memorial Gardens in Springfield, GA. Remembrances may be given to Manna House Ministries (1210 Patriot Drive; Rincon, GA 31326) and/or The Gideons International (PO Box 618; Rincon, GA 31326).

The family would like to extend special thanks to Jimmy's faithful and caring doctor, Dr. Mohammad Masroor, as well as all of the nurses and staff at Candler Hospital that provided him with exceptional, loving care. Deepest thanks go out to Judy Boykin (Jimmy's niece) for checking on him every day and guiding the family through this time.

Farewell to a dang good Dawg.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421