James J. Clifford

Rutland

James “Jim” Clifford passed away on February 18, 2024.

Jim was the third of six children born to Joe and Alma Clifford in Rutland, Vermont on February 9,1956.  The Clifford children had countless friends and their household was the gathering point for much of Rutland for nearly 20 years.  Jim thrived there.

Jim was an exceptional athlete and in 1965 he won the National Punt, Pass and Kick Competition in Vermont.  It remains one of his proudest achievements.  He was also a stand-out at Mount St. Joseph Academy in basketball and was one of only 6 players named to the Division I Vermont All State Basketball Team.

He graduated from Mount St. Joseph in 1974, attended Castleton State College and graduated from the SUNY Canton Mortuary Science School in 1979. Jim’s dog, Kobuk was pictured with the senior portraits in his graduating class.

Jim then joined his father and brother, Gary, in the family business, Clifford Funeral Home, which was established in 1875 and is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Rutland.

He was born to the job and his big smile and warm embrace helped untold families through some of their most difficult moments.

Jim was friendly and outgoing and had a wonderful sense of humor.  He never forgot a face and he had the rare ability to laugh at himself. As a result, everyone was his friend.

Throughout his life, Jim loved sports, but none came close to his beloved Patriots and Red Sox. Some of his best times were spent enjoying their games at Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park with his daughter Kelli, who inherited Jim’s passion for both teams.

Jim enjoyed the outdoors and particularly enjoyed walking the beach on Marco Island, Florida where he and his partner, Marsha shared a home. In his earlier years, he enjoyed jogging and x-country skiing with his golden retrievers.

Jim died of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer and is grateful for the care he received at the Foley Cancer Center of the Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Surviving is his partner, Marsha Hance of Rutland Town; a daughter, Kelli Clifford (Whit Montgomery), a granddaughter, Gracyn Montgomery of Killington; 2 brothers, Gary (Charlene) Clifford of West Rutland and George (Sharon) Clifford of Florence; a sister, Peg (Joseph) Kraus of Rutland Town; a stepdaughter, Mackensie Grant (Sam Peret) of Vergennes; 2 step twin granddaughters, Jaya and Fiona Peret; and his former wife of 36 years, Patricia Clifford of Rutland Town. In addition to being a cherished partner, father and brother, Jim adored the time he spent with his only grandchild, Kelli’s daughter, Gracyn. Her love and laughter warmed his heart.

Jim was predeceased by his father, G. Joseph Clifford in 2018; mother, Alma Clifford in 2012; a sister, Nancy Clifford in 1976; a brother, David Clifford in 1971; and stepson, Casey Grant in 2020.

Calling hours will be held from 1:00 to 4:00pm at the Clifford Funeral Home on Wednesday February 28, 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Church at 11:00am on Thursday February 29, 2024. Burial will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.