James “Jim” Clayborn

James “Jim” Leon Clayborn, of Deer, passed away on October 31, 2025, at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison, at the age of 82.

He was born on November 29, 1942, in Deer, to Millard and Blanche Cowell Clayborn.  Jim was a lifelong resident of Newton County and a proud Deer Antler through and through. In his younger years, he enjoyed all kinds of sports, especially basketball and softball. He and his brother Jerry spent countless hours shooting hoops with their nieces and nephews on the family’s dirt court, where laughter and friendly competition filled the air. Later in life, when he could no longer play, Jim faithfully kept the score clock for the Deer Antlers for more than twenty years, remaining a dedicated part of the local sports community, he loved so much.  Over the years, Jim worked for Sutton’s Products for more than two decades, the U. S. Forestry Service, and the Deer School. He was also a proud member of the Deer Volunteer Fire Department, always willing to lend a hand when his community needed him.

Jim’s love of the outdoors was matched only by his appreciation for the beauty of his home county. He and Jerry shared many adventures, traveling the highways and dirt roads of Newton County, exploring the hills and hollows they knew so well. He also loved music and could often be found at bluegrass and gospel festivals, listening to local musicians play and sing the songs that spoke to his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Wallace Clayborn; and two sisters, Sharon Spradley and Ivon Case.

Jim is survived by his brothers, Jerry Clayborn of Deer and R. B. Clayborn of Harrison; his sisters, Mary (Pete) Edgmon of Mossville, Ilah Morrison of Deer, and Nedra Daniels of Jasper; and his brother-in-law, Larry Spradley of Deer. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, all of whom he dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with. Jim will be remembered with love by his family, friends, and all who were blessed to share in his gentle humor, kind spirit, and steadfast presence.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Deer Cemetery with Kelly Woods officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Roy Clayborn, Rick Ham, David Freeman, Bill Breedlove, Joe Cowell, Jackie Clayborn, Tim Edgmon, and Nathan Chisum.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, November 3rd, at the funeral home.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Deer Cemetery, c/o Vernie Heydenrich, Post Office Box 37, Deer, Arkansas  72628.

The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.