James Donald Clay, Sr., son of David and Lillian Clay, was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 23, 1932. Because his parents died at an early age, his uncle and aunt, James and Mary Pinkney, raised him. He departed on Saturday, January 10,2015. James, lovingly called Jimmy or Pop by his family and friends, graduated from Baltimore City Public Scli~ols. At an early age, he joined the United States Navy where he worked as a chef. He continued to work numerous jobs and retired from Dukeland Nursing Home where, for many years, he worked as an orderly. In his spare time he enjoyed cooking, he was an avid artist who loved painting and creating mosaics, he loved shooting pool and loved making people laugh. He enjoyed singing and loved listening to Tom Jones, Etta James, and Frank Sinatra. Serving the community was something dear to his heart and he looked for opportunities to help those around him. James embodied the belief that we should all follow our dreams even if we get lost in the process and this is the lasting memory that he leaves for his loved ones. James was preceded in death by his parents David and Lillian Clay; his adopted parents, James and Mary Pinkney; his wife, Viola Clay; his two sons, Tyrone Kent, Sr. and Milburn Kent; and his two brothers, Calvin Clay and Charles Clay. He leaves to mourn his memories his five children, Carol Kent, Michele Redding EI, Debra Sullivan, Mishael Ali EI, and Dorothy Clay; his brother Robert Clay; his trusted and devoted friend, Daren Marshall; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorial Service Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Monday, January 19, 2015 01:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave.
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Service to begin @ 1:30 pm Directions