James ‘Jim’ Clawson

James “Jim” Everett Clawson, 72, passed away Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

Jim was born Aug. 31, 1949, and was the youngest son of three children to Thomas Clawson and Ruby Christine (Petty) Clawson.

He had one older brother, Thomas Jr., and an older sister, Geneie.

He attended many different Tulsa schools until his graduation from Daniel Webster High School in 1967.

Upon graduation, Jim joined the military and served in the U.S. Navy as a S.E.A.L. from June 10, 1968, until March 1972. He earned a Purple Heart as well as many other honors.

He served in Vietnam from February 1969-1970.

After leaving the service, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and petroleum at the University of Oklahoma in 1980.

In 1998, Jim met Linda Bilderback, a retired teacher of English and German, and they married in 2000 in Fayetteville, Ark.

In 2000, he also earned a minister of religion degree from Concordia University in Mequon, Wisc.

Jim went back to school and earned a bachelor of science degree at Southern Christian University in Montgomery, Ala., in 2001.

Jim served as pastor for the Vinita Messiah Lutheran Church from 2002-05 and then was missionary at large for the Miami Circuit, Oklahoma District, LCMS Lutherans from 2002-06.

After a “widow maker” heart attack in 2007, Jim went with his wife to the farm in Kingfisher County to recuperate.

Jim had many hobbies, but always said his most cherished times were spent with his wife of 21 years, Linda, and his four pet Holstein cows (Frieda, Hyacinth, Lola and Belle), his two puppies (Sieggi and Arabella) and one kitty (Amanda Grace).

Jim was predeceased by his parents; his brother Thomas “Thom” Howard Clawson Jr.; his sister Beverly Gene “Geneie” (Clawson) Harris and her husband James.

Jim was also predeceased by his son Eric Andrew Clawson.

Jim is survived by his wife Linda Mae (Bilderback) Clawson of the home; his daughter Lisa Noel (Clawson) Stevens and husband David; and sister-in-law Cindy (Head) Clawson.

Jim always loved the water, whether swimming in the Tulsa public pools, swimming competitively at Webster High School, swimming in the muddy snake-infested waters of Vietnam or diving to detonate a line of underwater bombs, sailing on Grand Lake or exercising in Kingfisher’s aquatic center.

Therefore, sailor and soldier, James Clawson, we wish you “Fair winds and following seas.”

Jim requested to be cremated and there will be no funeral service.