Obituary of James V. Clifford III

Our hearts have been broken by the loss of our beloved Jim Clifford, who passed away suddenly of a heart attack on June 18, 2021.  We have some peace knowing that he was at one of his favorite places, Quiet Cove Park and he did not suffer. He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Doreen Clifford and his greatest creation, his daughter, Grace.

James V. Clifford, III, was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on June 28, 1965 to James V. Clifford, Jr. and Jacqueline Clifford. Along with his wife and daughter, he is survived by his sister Jennifer Clifford of Atlanta, GA; his brother, Joseph Clifford of Poughkeepsie, NY; his nephew, Joseph Clifford, Jr. and his fiancée, Emily Thomas and their two beautiful daughters, Liliana and Blake. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents.

Jim was well-loved by all and it seemed as though no one was a stranger to him. Everyone who met him fell in love with his charm, his generosity, and his kind heart. He was the supreme jokester and goofball who loved to make people laugh (although not everyone always got the joke!).

His proudest moments in life was marrying his one true love, Doreen, who he met when he was 15,  and the birth of their daughter Grace. She was the shining light of his eyes and he always beamed when he spoke of her.

To say Jimmy loved Christmas is an understatement. It was not uncommon for Christmas music to be playing in the house or his car at any point of the year. One of the things that brought him so much joy was playing Santa at the Rocking Horse Ranch and at Wilcox Park this past winter. Some have said he really was Santa and somewhere in his heart, he believed it.

Jimmy always made everyone welcome.  People who knew him could expect a big hug or a big kiss on the cheek as soon as he saw you.  Jimmy loved to cook and he was an avid gardener.  He was often outside in his backyard tending to his garden or smoking some food.  He took pride in sharing the bounty of his work with his family and friends.  You could not walk into Jimmy’s house without him offering you a hug first and then food and drink second.  Many people who know him have wonderful memories of these times with Jimmy.

His career path began as Journeyman electrician with the IBEW and ended with the Dutchess County Parks Department, working mainly at Quiet Cove. He loved “The Cove” and always had a story to tell. He was known and loved for his kindness and friendly demeanor.

There will be Celebration of Life at the Pirate Canoe Club, Rivercrest Road, Poughkeepsie, Saturday June 26, 2021 from 1-6pm. Everyone is welcome to join us to eat, drink, reminisce, cry, laugh, and share stories and memories. It is how he would have wanted it.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Dutchess Outreach or Grace Smith House.