James Wesley McClendon was born February 11, 1942 in Grenada, Mississippi to the late Houston and Alma Harper McClendon, Sr. He departed this life on August 18, 2015 at Mobile Infirmary in Mobile, Alabama.

James was united in holy matrimony to Emily Brown on July 9, 1966.

James' early education was received in the Grenada County School System. Afterwards he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Mississippi Valley State. He later received a Master of Education degree from the University of Dayton.

James lived a life of service to others. He served more than 30 years in the Lima City School system as a teacher, summer school principal and retired as a guidance counselor at Lima Senior High School.  During his later years he also enjoyed tutoring for children throughout the city under the No Child Left Behind Act. He was a proud member of the National Education Association throughout his tenure as an educator.

James lovingly served the Lord and was baptized into Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of the Kibby Street Church of Christ.   Before joining Kibby St. he served as the Educational Director and long-standing song leader at the East Elm Street Church of Christ.

James leaves to cherish his precious memory  his loving wife Emily,  Daughters; Crystal (Jerome) Gourdine, Casandra (Philip) Brown and Marilyn (Mark) Crumb.  Sons; Christopher (Melanie) McClendon and Cory McClendon. Sisters; Patsy Harris and Myrtis McClendon. Brother; Houston (Karen) McClendon, Jr.; 10 beautiful grandchildren and host of family and friends.