James Noel Clayton, 76

James Noel 'Jim' Clayton, 76, died April 5, 2006, after a short battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 13, 1929, in Roswell, N.M., to Teen and Clara Clayton. Teen Abner, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Leonard, Harvey and Mary Ann completed their family circle.

In 1950 ,he won over and married the love of his life, Donna Davis. Jim and Donna has seven children — Bob, Kellie, Jim, Stacey, Leslie, Jerri and Nickie. They, thus far, have added 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren to the family.

Jim loved the outdoors and had a natural ability with horses. They became an integral part of his life. From his youth until days before his death, he broke, rode rodeo, packed and guided, always enjoying his horses. Seeing and being with them always brought a smile to his face and a spring to his step. Also, a summer never went by without some sort of garden or home projects.

When asked what he was most proud of in his life, Jim responded with two accomplishments. 'I am most proud of learning and accepting the truth found in the Bible and my family.' Jim had been baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in January 1963. 'He spent the rest of his life making a good name with his Creator, Jehovah, and this brought him the utmost happiness. '

Included in his love for God was his love for neighbor. Papa Jim, as many knew him, was ever ready to lend a helping hand, offer a sage bit of advice or just put his arm around you and say hello.

Papa Jim is sorely missed by all who loved him, but he leaves us with much to reminisce about, laugh about, and hope for.

The memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1414 Woodland Ave., in Kalispell.