Obituary

James Lew Clendenin, 83, of South Charleston, WV, passed away May 20, 2026, after an extended illness.

He was born in Point Pleasant, WV, on July 23, 1942, to Walter and Phyllis Clendenin. A 1960 graduate of Point Pleasant High School, James went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Virginia Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree from the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies. He was a band director at several Kanawha County Schools for many years. During his time at George Washington High School, band members participated in the Macy’s Day Parade in New York City, the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans, LA, and the opening of Walt Disney World in Florida. Later in life, he changed careers and worked in management at C&P Telephone Company, in addition to managing his own business.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, G Michael Clendenin, and nephews, Josef Clendenin and William Clendenin.

James is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Toni; his daughters, Natasha Keaton (Glen) of Bluffton, SC, and Nicole Skeen (Scott) of Indian Trail, NC; grandchildren, Michaela and Josie Keaton, and  Caroline and James Skeen; his brother, Charles Clendenin (Audrey) of New Richmond, OH; his sister-in-law, Vicki Clendenin Wilford of Florida;  nephews, Michael Clendenin (Angie) and Charles Clendenin II (Diana); nieces, Cheryl Aloisio (Gerard) and Carlen Clendenin, and great nieces and nephews.

James was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, and was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.  He and Toni enjoyed traveling the United States and abroad.  While at home, they were members of several local ballroom dancing clubs.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family whether on vacations or just watching movies with his grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1114 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV, with the Very Rev. Father Donald X. Higgs officiating. James will be laid to rest at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, at Montgomery Memorial Park, London, WV.

Visitation will begin one hour prior to the burial mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in James’ memory to the Needy Student Fund at Sacred Heart.

You may send condolences to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.