Dr. James D. Clifton, 70, of Twin City, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Community Hospice in Vidalia following a brief illness. Services were held Friday, May 3, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Reverend Tim Grant officiating. The family received friends at the church from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the service.
Honorary pallbearers were past and present employees of Swainsboro Healthcare and Emanuel County EMS.
Dr. Clifton was born April 29, 1954, in Vidalia, to Jim Paul Clifton and Norma Jean King Clifton. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing, watching NASCAR and Georgia football, and having a love for the ocean's blue water. Dr. Clifton graduated from Montgomery County High School in 1972. He continued his education at the University of Georgia from 1972 to 1973 and Valdosta State College from 1973 to 1975, earning a bachelor’s in chemistry. Dr. Clifton later attended West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine from 1977 to 1981, obtaining his D.O. Degree. He completed his rotating internship at Carson City Hospital in Carson City, Michigan from 1981 to 1982. Dr. Clifton was Board-Certified in Family Practice. He began his private practice in Swainsboro in 1982. During his career in Swainsboro, Dr. Clifton served as Chief of Staff at Emanuel County Hospital from January 1992 to December 1992, and he was a member of the Board of Directors at Georgia Medical Care Foundation. He also served as Medical Director of Emergency Medical Service in Swainsboro from 1987 until his passing. Dr. Clifton also held other significant positions, including serving as a physician at Emanuel County Jail, Emanuel Women’s Facility, and Emanuel Probation Detention Center. He also spent many years as a part-time Emergency Room physician and was the Medical Examiner for Emanuel County. He was a member of The First Baptist Church in Swainsboro. Dr. Clifton is preceded in death by his parents.
Dr. Clifton is survived by his wife, Melissa Archer Clifton of Twin City; sons, Jonathan (Brandi) Clifton and Chandler (Kelli) Moore, both of Swainsboro; daughter, Mabry (Zach) Paulk of Statesboro; grandsons, Rowan Clifton, Maddox Clifton and Everett Clifton; brother, Joe (Kathi) Clifton of Valdosta; sister, Jane (Rick) Davis of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.; other family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to: Community Hospice, 904 Mt. Vernon Road, Vidalia, GA. 30474.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of arrangements.
