Dr. James D. Clifton

Dr. James D. Clifton, 70, of Twin City, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Community Hospice in Vidalia, following a brief illness.

Dr. Clifton was born April 29, 1954, in Vidalia to Jim Paul Clifton and Norma Jean King Clifton. He is preceded in death by his parents. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing, watching NASCAR and Georgia football, and having a love for the ocean's blue water. Dr. Clifton was a member of The First Baptist Church in Swainsboro.

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. He 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, Carson City, Michigan, from 1981 to 1982. He was Board-Certified in Family Practice.

Dr. Clifton began his private practice in Swainsboro in 1982. During his career in Swainsboro, he 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 in 2024.

He 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.

Dr. Clifton is survived by his wife, Melissa Archer Clifton of Twin City; sons, Jonathan (Brandi) Clifton, 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.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Swainsboro on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend Tim Grant officiating.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Swainsboro, Friday, May 3, 2024, from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

Honorary Pallbearers will be past and present employees of Swainsboro Healthcare and Emanuel County EMS.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Community Hospice, 904 Mt. Vernon Road, Vidalia, GA. 30474.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Dr. James D. Clifton, 70, of Twin City.