Obituary of James Delbert Clayton

Memorial services for James Delbert "J.D." Clayton, 75, of Lovington, NM will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 10:00 am at 3rd & Central Church of Christ with David Stewart officiating. J.D. was born on July 10, 1943 to Albert James and Ima Jean (Pearce) Clayton in Lovington, NM and passed away on May 23, 2019 in Lubbock, TX. J.D. always said his life truly began when he met the love of his life at the age of 16. He and Linda were married a few years later on June 23, 1962 in Lovington. He was quite gifted at restoring cars, and motorcycles and he loved going hunting and fishing. J.D. attended West Angelo School of Evangelism and began preaching in Lovington, Lamesa and Oregon and he spent his life sharing the word of God and leading people to the Lord. Returning to Lovington, JD was employed with the phone company for a few years and then went into business for himself and started "JD's Carpet Care". He loved visiting so this was a perfect fit for him. He was an honest, dependable and loving man and had a way of connecting with all people. Thirty years later JD hung up his hoses and retired to spend time with his family and friends. He and Linda lived in their "historical salt box home for 26 years sharing love and memories with family and many friends. His passion was his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They made his heart happy! In 2014, JD was diagnosed with Leukemia, but he didn't let it stop him. He was a true champion, pushing through and loving James 1:12 "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those that love him". Even in the tormenting days of his illness he would spend hours composing inspirational and oft times, funny posts for his 1090 facebook friends. He loved dearly, faithfully, and deeply and will be remembered by all who knew him and he will be missed always. Preceding him in death were his parents. Surviving him is his beloved wife, Linda; two sons: James "Greg" and wife Amber Clayton and Bradley Dean and wife Jessica Leigh Clayton, both of Lovington; two sisters: Judy and husband Terry Taylor of San Angelo, TX and Susie Taylor of Elida, NM; ten grandchildren: Haven (Tyson) Robinson of Lubbock, Christina Clayton of Lovington, Keeley Clayton and fianceé, Jordan Garcia of Lubbock; Jaylon Clayton of Lovington; Shayley Tazberry of Hobbs, Blaine Starkey of Albuquerque; Hayley Clayton of Santa Fe; Cassey (Matt) Sudweeks of Lovington; Hanna Clayton of Lovington and Landree Clayton of Lovington. Also, five great-grandchildren: Kinley, Rowan, Kyler, Collins and Witten and two on the way. Also several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.