James “Jim” Joe Clendenning, 77, formerly of Frankfort, and current Winchester, Kentucky resident passed away on August 26, 2026 at the Lexington VA Medical Center. He was born October 4, 1948 to Eldo and Beverly Clendenning in Frankfort, IN. He married Peggy Carr and she survives.
Jim graduated from Frankfort High School before joining the US Navy. He proudly served as a 2nd Class Machinest Mate (MM2) during his time from enlistment in November 1967 to his discharge in September 1971, serving in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to civilian life, Jim worked at Alcoa Tool & Die in Lafayette, Indiana for nearly 34 years. After moving to Kentucky in 2003, he also drove a school bus for five years for Montgomery County Schools in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. Jim was a member of the American Legion, Post 12 in Frankfort. He was also a lifetime member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Patriot Guard Riders in Kentucky.
Surviving are: his wife, Peggy; his son, Brad (Heather) Clendenning of Frankfort; his daughter, Cathy Dobson of Frankfort; his step-children, Patricia (Ritchie) Fraley, and Shelly (Mike) Prater; his sisters, Jennifer (John) Krull, Cindy (Bill) Hoyer, and Lana Graves; his brothers, Ed (Penny) Clendenning and Wavren Baker; fourteen grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, Eldo and Beverly; son, Donovan Clendenning; daughter Beverly Hale; step-son, Eric Kilgore; and brothers Mitchell Clendenning, and Steve Clendenning.
Friends may visit from 10 am to noon on Saturday, August 29 at Archer-Weston Funeral and Cremation Center, 501 E. Clinton St., Frankfort. A funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Bunnell Cemetery. Goodwin Funeral Home is honored to assist the Clendenning family. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Please visit goodwinfuneralhome.com where you may leave a condolence with the family.