James was born on December 31, 1933 to Howard and Iris (Kensit) Claiborne in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952. He married Mildred “Millie” Mathers on March 15, 1985, in Durant, Oklahoma. He worked for the City of Dallas water department for over 20 years before retiring. Upon his retirement, he moved to Santa Anna, Texas where he was a member of the community for 32 years. He spent his final years in his home in Josephine, Texas.
James was survived by his son Anthony James Claiborne and wife Rhonda, his daughter Christi Lauren Claiborne-Lopez and husband Luis, his grandchildren, Kylie Carboni and husband Ryan, Ryan Gasper, Hunter Gasper and wife Megan, Jillian Prentice, Richard Don Mewbourne III, his Great-granddaughter Hannah Claiborne, and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Janetta Craddock Altom, step-grandsons Frank Allison Mathers Craddock, Daniel Dan Felts, and Rodney Davis Felts and wife Trista, and 8 step great-grandchildren and 5 step great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Millie Mathers Claiborne, his daughter Phyllis Claiborn-Litman, a granddaughter Heather Claiborne, his stepsons Michael Dean Felts and Ronald Anthony Craddock and his siblings.
A graveside service will be held with military honors at the Coleman City Cemetery on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Jeff Parsons officiating. Following the service, a meal will be provided at the First Methodist Church of Santa Anna 401 1st street Santa Anna, Texas.
Services are under the direction of Davis-Morris Funeral Home of Brownwood, Texas.