James Grooms Clem

James Grooms Clem, age 83 passed away peacefully July 28 in Panama City, Florida with his daughter and son-in-law by his side. James was in the last graduating class of Knoxville High School in 1951. He was a retired millwright from many years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s X-10 and a proud Cold War Patriot. James came to know Christ at the age of 69 and was a devoted follower of the Lord, a member of Inskip Baptist Church, and the pastor’s Sunday school class until his death. James loved to reminisce with stories of his early years, his family, and his time with friends at Union Carbide. He enjoyed his last months of life with his family, in his new home in Youngstown, FL. James is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Kathryn Christenberry Clem, parents Herman and Irene Clem, and sister Evelyn Maples. He is survived by his daughter and son-in law Nancy and Jay Gibson, granddaughter Gracie, all of Panama City, FL, sisters Shirley Hurst and Carol Faulkner, sister and brother-in law Phyllis and Tom Baer, all of Knoxville, TN, brother John Clem of St. Claire Shores, MI, close family friend Mrs. Kim Etters, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Professional Case Management for the wonderful care James received in Knoxville, TN and Youngstown, FL. Each of you touched us in a special way and you have become part of our extended family. The family would also like to thank Dr. Saul Rodriguez and the staff of the Cardiac Step Down Unit of Gulf Coast Medical Center, Panama City, FL. All of you fought for James until it was time to fight no more and we are forever grateful for your care, compassion, and loving kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations be made to the James G. Clem, LPN to RN Nursing Scholarship, Gulf Coast State College Foundation, 5230 West Highway 98, Panama City, Florida 3240. When making a gift by check, please include “James Clem Memorial Scholarship”. The family will receive friends 5-7 pm Tuesday at Inskip Baptist Church with funeral service to follow at 7 pm with Rev. Mike Segers officiating. Family and friends will meet 10:45 am Wednesday at Lynnhurst Cemetery for interment at 11 am. Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel is in charge of arrangements.