James Phillip Clendenin

James Phillip Clendenin was the only child of Austin Courtney and Virginia Owen Clendenin.  James graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City.  In 1955 James married Mary Annette Wolf.  Together they raised their four children in Sacred Heart Parish.  Both James and Mary coached volleyball and basketball teams and helped with their children’s scout troops.

James was a true jack-of-all-trades.  He could build or repair anything electronic.   He was a skilled car mechanic.  And he could do significant home repair and renovation.  James worked various jobs throughout his life; truck driver, school custodian, roofer.  But James most loved his years as a firefighter, rising to the rank of Captain of the Oklahoma City Fire Department.  James always gave credit to his father in law, Oklahoma City Fire Chief, Felix Wolf for encouraging him to make firefighting his career.  In addition to the challenge of fighting fires, James enjoyed cooking and was often the station house cook.  He was also an avid ham radio operator; a passion he rediscovered in his 70’s.

In his years after retirement, James built a home pottery studio for his wife, Mary.  For years the two enjoyed travelling to regional art festivals where Mary sold her work.  Several times they made lazy drives across the U.S. to sightsee and to visit their children in the cities where they lived.   James and Mary also happily settled into being grandparents, as well as dog owners.

James died at St. Anthony’ Hospital on April 7, 2016, soon after having been given the comfort of last rites, with family by his side.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary.  He is survived by four children; Ann Clendenin (Lydia A. Moore, d. 1995), Cathy Hammarsten (Richard A.), Jim Clendenin (Paula Radosevich, d. 2015) and Steve Clendenin (Karol), as well as their childen, Krystal Launius (Brandon), Casey Clendenin and two great-grandchildren, Breanna and Payton Launius.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of his life.  He is also survived by siblings-in-law, Robert Wolf (Peggy), Theresa Furlong (Thomas), Janet Wolf, Sharon Lafferty (James) and Richard Wolf.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 28 at St. James Catholic Church in Oklahoma City.