James David Clay

James "Jim" David Clay
March 25, 1925 - October 28, 2016.
James "Jim" Clay hung up his overalls and hat for the final time when he passed away Friday, October 28, 2016, in Farmington, N.M. Jim was born March 25, 1925, in Breckenridge, Texas, to Bluebell Stuard and Chris Clay. When he was 17 his mother wrote a letter so he could join the Navy. He served in the Navy from 1942-1945. He married the love of his life "Eulilia Rusk" on August 17, 1946. He got his high school equivalent degree while working in the drafting department at the GM Plant in Grand Prairie, Texas and then went to work at Iverson Supply in Artesia, N.M. in1948. They moved to Big Spring, Texas in 1950. In 1952 he followed the oilfield to the Four Corners Area. He started at San Juan Machine in Aztec. In 1955, he became a partner in Aztec Machine and joined with John Dick to build mining cars for uranium mines in Aztec, N.M. In 1961 he moved to Farmington where he owned and operated Justis Supply Machine and Welding for many years. He enjoyed raising hay and cattle. After retiring from Justis Supply in 1984, he enjoyed going to visit his grandchildren and great-grandchildren which became the light of his life and kept him on his toes. He was known around town for his old worn out straw hats that he wore, because he hated breaking in new ones.
As a pillar of the community he was instrumental in building Ricketts Ball Park. He was honored when they named one of the ball parks at Justice Park Baseball fields after him. In 2006, he was inducted into the Farmington Chamber of Commerce's "History Makers Hall of Fame". In 2011, he was honored by the Desk and Derrick Club for being a part of the Oil and Gas Industry in the Four Corners. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years; his parents; Brothers Clifford Clay, Ivan Webb Clay; Sister Lucille Stiles; His daughter-in-law Freda Yeomans Clay; and by his beloved grandson Jarrod Shepard.
He is survived by his sons, Robert C. Clay, of Hawaii, Richard F. "Rick" Clay (Melissa) Mancos, Colo.; Daughter Sheila Shepard (Sid) of Farmington; Grandsons; Jason Shepard (Melanie) of Okla., Chaz Clay (Stephanie) of Colo., Reece Clay (Allison) of Colo.; Granddaughter Sonja Crum (Baric) of La Plata; Great-grandchildren Kolby, Teegan, Wyatt Shepard of Okla., Taylor, Jordan, Kooper, Emily and Mollie Crum of La Plata, Austin and Gavin Clay of Colo.; Brother Gerald Clay of Utah and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jim's life will be at Ricketts Park at 2:00 p.m. Sunday November 6, 2016. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family to set up a scholarship fund for local High School baseball players. Jim's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St., in Farmington. (505)325-8688.