James Douglas Clare (Jim)

James Douglas Clare (Jim), age 77, of Opp went to his heavenly home Wednesday morning March 22, 2023. Jim graduated high school in Paducah, Kentucky, then attended the University of Missouri at Rolla before joining the US Air Force in 1965.  After seeing his “angel singing in the choir”, Jim married Gayle Presley Clare a short three months later. He served in Brazil and the Philippines during the Vietnam War as a newly wed. After his service, they moved to Opp where they welcomed their daughter, Leslie Clare, in 1971. For over 30 years, Jim and Gayle owned businesses in Opp, including Presley’s Grocery and Jim’s Bumper to Bumper. Following Gayle’s passing in 2014, he retired as store manager of Breedlove’s Building Supply in 2015. Besides bowling, genealogy, woodworking, and fishing, Jim cherished time spent with his granddaughters Megan Barber and husband Brian and Sydney Wise and husband Austin. But he always said nothing compared to getting to play with his great-grandsons, Michael James (Mikey) Barber and Stetson Brooks Barber.  Every year he looked forward to a vacation to visit with his sisters Patty Holt and husband, Darrel, and Leta Clare, as well.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 23, 2023 at Westview Baptist Chruch officiated by his friend, Brother Gary Miller. He was laid to rest with a graveside service at Peaceful Acres cemetery with pallbearers who included Brian Barber and Austin Wise, and very special friends Johnny McInnis, Richard Olsen, Johnny

Daniels, Bo Dillard, Robert Breedlove, Larry Anderson, Lee McInnis, and Jackie Pope.

Jim is known for his kindness and consideration, which has left a lasting imprint on his family, friends, and the community. Expressions of love in honor of Jim Clare can be made to Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation, Meals of Love in Opp, or the AmVets of Opp.