James K. Clements
Family physician was avid athlete
Dr. James K. Clements, M.D., of Washington, passed into Jesus’ arms Saturday, November 9, 2013, after a lengthy illness.
He was born in Fort Worth, Texas.
Dr. Clements was a 1969 graduate of Columbia Heights High School in Minnesota, a 1973 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and a 1976 graduate of University of Nebraska School of Medicine.
After one year of residency in pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, he entered his residency in family practice at Washington Hospital. He began his career as a uniformed officer of the U.S. Public Health Service in Salem, Ore. He then started a private practice as a family physician in Washington, a community which he loved and served until becoming ill in 2006.
Despite his academic and professional accomplishments, he will be most remembered for his compassion, love and faith. Numerous patient letters testify to his compassion. His love for family was equaled only by their love for him and his kindness, concern and gentle sense of humor.
Dr. Clements lived his faith, writing prescriptions for the soul, anonymously giving food baskets at Thanksgiving, Christmas and on other occasions, and by presenting the Gospel to many different audiences. He had the hope and assurance of eternal life, which his family believes he now enjoys.
He was an avid athlete, outdoors man and sports fan. He was an all-conference linebacker and played baseball in high school. He loved fishing, was an excellent skier and even bowled a 300 game. He enjoyed golf and endured many golf outings with his family. At home, you could often find him reading, playing with his golden retrievers or mowing on his prized tractor.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Ava Fatigati Clements; two sons, Matthew (Carla) of Charlotte, N.C., and Jeremy of Coraopolis; two sisters, Chris (Paul) Crist of Hudson, Ohio, and Cindy (George) Henry of Plymouth, Minn.; a stepmother, “Auntie-Mom” Donna Clements of Casa Grande, Ariz.; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and many treasured friends and former patients.
Deceased are his parents, Claude and Lila Faye Fuchser Clements; and his beloved son, Michael.
Viewing will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 13, in South Hills Bible Chapel, 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray, PA 15317.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mike Clements Memorial Fund, www.givenow.richmond.edu. Select “other” in the designation box and type “Mike Clements Memorial Fund” in the box. Or give to Presbyterian SeniorCare, www.srcare.org/donatenow and click on “Gifts in Memory/In Honor.” Messages of condolence may be left at www.hummellandjones.com.