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Celebrating the life of

Clay James

May 25, 1988 - March 10, 2022

Clay was bigger than life and loved life big. Clay always had a way of leaving you feeling better than when he found you.

Clay James

William Claybrook  "Clay" James, 33, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 10, 2022.

Clay was born and raised in Savannah in the Gordonston neighborhood, as did many family members before him. He was a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in International Affairs. He went on to become an extremely active and passionate member of the International Longshoremen Association, #1475, following in the footsteps of generations before him. He was proud of his union solidarity. 

Clay’s love for Savannah was overwhelming, and he expressed it by exploring the downtown district and walking Forsyth Park just about every day. He built relationships not only around the city, but around the world. When not in Savannah, Clay loved traveling for live music and visiting friends. Some of his favorite artists were Phish, STS9, and The Grateful Dead. He immersed himself so much into music that fellow concertgoers became his second family, and they were just as important to him as the music.

He was happiest outside with his loved ones – and often hiked, kayaked, biked and enjoyed boating on the Savannah, Daufauskie and Hilton Head waterways. However, he couldn’t pass up a night home watching movies with his family. As a child, Clay loved visiting his grandparents in Senoia, GA.

Clay was bigger than life and loved life big. Clay always had a way of leaving you feeling better than when he found you. He had a way of helping you, when you thought you were helping him. Clay was an older and wiser soul that many looked up to for his raw perspective on life and its experiences. He was extremely smart, loyal, and charismatic. He led by example & leaves behind a legacy worthy of following.

Clay leaves behind his parents Billy and Debbie; aunt, Dodie Hamrick; cousins, Chase, James, and Lauren Hamrick; niece, Halle Hamrick; the love of his life, Hannah Kauffman; and countless friends who loved him dearly.  

A celebration of Clay’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. A private burial will follow in Greenwich Cemetery. 
 
In lieu of flowers the the family request donations to a local non-profit that supports nature preservation and the environment.
 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

I'm sorry to hear this. He always had a smile on his face. He will be missed

- Chris A Roach, Savannah, GA

A candle has been lit!

MAY HE RIP

- MELL, Savannah, Georgia

A candle has been lit!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU GUYS DURING THIS TIME AND MAY CLAY RIP LOVE YOU GUYS JOHN MELL

- JOHN MELL, Savannah, Georgia

I'm so sorry for your loss. Clay was a wonderful person, easy going and great to work with. He will be truly missed. RIP ILA Brother.

- Sheila Harrod, Darien, Georgia

Clay you will be dearly missed. We love you Debbie and Billy.

- Patrick, Julie and Leighton Lowe, Savannah , Georgia

Billy, Debbie, and family, I’m extremely sorry for your loss. Clay was a great guy!! He often lifted my spirits with his humor and show of love for his family. I will continue to keep y’all in my prayers. Until we meet again, RIP “Little Brother”

- Will Grant, Guyton, Georgia

A candle has been lit!

- Rimes Family , Savannah , Ga

Mike and I are so sorry for your loss. I know Clay was adored by all and will be missed.

- linda marek (rimes), stagecoach, NV

Billy and Debbie i know words want ease the pain you must feel but please know you have a lot of friends praying for you

- Eddy and Barbara Cohn, Hayesville, NC

I am so saddened to see this. My prayers and love for you and your family. Gone too soon. Love,Tracy’s Mom.

- Elsie Evans, Savannah , Georgia

There are no words to express the loss of your beautiful son. We will all miss him terribly. Love and prayers. The Balcoms.

- Judy Balcom, Tybee Island, GA

Our heart felt sympathies go out to you at this saddest of times . May God bring you comfort and peace .

- Pyles, Guyton , Ga

Clay was always a pleasure to be around and he was so thoughtful of others. My thoughts, prayers, and condolences to his family and friends.

- Yarborough, Savannah, GA

You have my deepest condolences. Looks like Clay led a full and happy life, living each day to the fullest.

- Jeni Ellis, Savannah, Ga.

Such a beautiful soul! I’m gonna miss this one, his presence always made me happier, his joy and love was real! RIP my friend, see ya when I get there!

- Jason Selph, Savannah , Georgia

I can’t find the words to tell you how truly sorry we are. We love you and Clay. Just know we are here. Mike, Dean and Erin Lowe

- Dean Lowe, Tybee Iand, GA

I am so sad to see this. My Prayers are with you.

- Norma Perry, Savannah , Ga

Debbie and Billy, I am so sorry for your loss. I know there just aren’t words that can help you right now but later you can look back and see how many people loved him. He will be missed by many and he was an amazing young man.

- Jenn Mobley, Savannah, Ga

Debbie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know right now that it doesn’t seem like it, but you will get through this with time. Sending prayers.

- Janice Helmly, Rincon, Ga

“Going home, going home By the waterside I will rest my bones Listen to the river sing sweet songs To rock my soul” - Brokedown Palace by Grateful Dead

- Corey and Elyse Hohnerlein, Savannah, GA

Dear Billy and Debbie, there are no words to express our feelings at the loss of your dear Clay. He will be remembered as a kindhearted man, who will be forever missed. May he forever rest in Paradise.

- John and Kathy Gaudry Cliett, Metter, GA

So sorry for the loss and heart Ache that you are going through at this time may God be with y’all and comfort y’all

- John Butler , Savannah , Georgia

Billy and Debbie to you and the family you have my deepest heart felt sympathy and my family and I would keep you lifted in prayer. I pray God gives you the comfort and strength you need through this dark time . Sincerely Maurice Johnson

- Maurice Johnson, Savannah, Georgia

Praying that the love of God enfolds you during this time of loss

- Linda Harrington, Pembroke , Ga

My deepest condolences. Clay was dear to my heart and such a gem. His light will never be forgotten. I am so sorry for your loss.

- Kim schwirzer , Portland , Oregon

Our thoughts and prayers are with ya’ll during this difficult time.

- Susan and Ronnie Whatley, Senoia, GA

A candle has been lit!

We love you and miss you Clay. Sending prayers and love to all of your family and friends.

- Carie Bugos and Garrett McCarthy, Savannah, Georgia

We were heartbroken to hear of Clay’s passing. Sending prayers and love to you!!

- Bruce and Julie Humphrey, Palmetto , Florida

I had the pleasure of knowing Clay. He was wonderful person. His humor and joy were infectious. I enjoyed many good times and great conversations with him.

- Suzanna King, Savannah , Ga

Bud and I are so sorry to hear of Clay's passing. Times are really rough now but know you have the love and understanding of many people. Our prayers are with you. Love, Bud and JW Sauers

- Janice Wallace Sauers, SAVANNAH, GA

A candle has been lit!

Bud and Janice Sauers.

- Bud and Janice Sauers. , Savannah, Ga

Debbie and Billy, You're in my prayers. May God comfort you at this time.

- Brad Wittfeld, Savannah, GA

Debbie and Billy, I am so sorry to hear about Clay’s passing. He was a great guy, and I always enjoyed working with him. May God bring you peace and comfort. I am praying for you both. Love, Danielle Allbritton

- Danielle Allbritton , Savannah, Ha

We are so very sorry for your loss. May God bring you peace and comfort through this very difficult time.

- Michael, Misti Andrews and family , Guyton, Ga.

Debbie and Billy I am so sorry to about this my prayers go out to you both. Love Marie

- Ellen Marie Allbritton , Savannah, Ga

Billy and Debbie we were deeply saddened to learn of Clay’s passing. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in this time of infinite sadness.

- Cathy & Todd Glaize, Statesboro , GA

Half Pint and Debbie I hope yall somehow find peace in life without Clay. Clay was a character that will be missed by so many. I will miss his fun loving personality, advice and our talks on the docks. RIP Clay. With love Jamie Keeran

- James Keeran, Tybee Island, GA

Debbie and Billy I am so very sorry to hear this. Clay was such a sweet soul when he and my son were at St. Andrews together. Much love to you and your family.

- Kathleen Collins, Savannah, Georgia

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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