James Arnold Clayton, 67, of Port Arthur passed away on Monday, October 26, 2009 at Harbor Hospice House in Beaumont. He was born July 9, 1942 to Jeanette Brooks Clayton and Judge Harold Clayton in Beaumont, Texas. He has been a resident of Port Arthur for over 65 years. James proudly served in the Blackhorse unit of the 11th Calvary with the U. S. Army, stationed in Germany. He was a lineman for Gulf States Utilities from 1964 to 1969, then moved to Gulf Oil as lineman/electrician from 1969 to 1982. James was a member of I. B. E. W. Local, where he was active in many areas of the local. He was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church and a former member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3491, but was involved in other councils as well. He was preceded in death by his father Judge Harold Clayton and his son Stephen Clayton. He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Clayton of Port Arthur, Texas, his daughters Karen Slaton of Houston, Texas and Jo Anne Beard of Port Neches, Texas, sons Brian Clayton of Port Arthur, Texas and James Clayton of Austin, Texas, 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Jeanette Clayton of Village Mills, Texas, sister Linda McRae of Village Mills, Texas, brother H. R. Clayton of Jacksonville, Texas, several nieces and nephews. Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.