James (Jym) Edwin Clendenin
June 10, 1939-Nov. 26, 2024
Menlo Park, California
Submitted by Anne Coughlin
James (Jym) Edwin Clendenin, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 26, 2024, after a brief illness. He leaves behind a legacy of love, intellect, and service. Born in Paris, Tennessee, on June 10, 1939, James lived a life filled with adventure, learning, and dedication to family and community.
The firstborn son of a military family, James grew up moving throughout the United States, spending most of his youth in southern Virginia. A 1957 graduate of Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia, James went on to study electrical engineering at the University of Virginia. It was there, in 1960, that he met the love of his life, Judith E. Poole.
Following his graduation, James entered the U.S. Navy as an ensign in 1962, and in December of the same year, he and Judith were married in Arlington, VA. He served honorably and left as a lieutenant in 1966, when he transitioned to pursue his passion for education and discovery. James earned a Master of Religion degree from Union Seminary in 1968 and later embarked on doctoral studies in atomic physics at Columbia University, completing his Ph.D. in early 1975.
In the spring of 1975, James moved with Judith and their young daughter, Anne, to Menlo Park, California, where he began a 33-year career at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). His groundbreaking work in physics earned him the respect of colleagues and a reputation for brilliance, dedication, and humility.
While in California, James embraced an active lifestyle, becoming an avid runner, completing numerous marathons and 10k races. After retiring in 2008, he discovered his love for cycling, logging an impressive 5,000 miles a year right up until his passing.
James was a man of many talents and passions. He was an enthusiastic cook, a gracious host, an adventurous traveler, and a connoisseur of fine food, wine, and classical music. A longtime subscriber to the San Francisco Symphony, James’s curiosity and love of culture knew no bounds. He also gave generously of his time, actively participating in the Menlo Park Historical Association, the dedicated Stanford Angell Field Ancients, and various cycling, cooking and book clubs.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Judith; his daughter, Anne and son-in-law George; feline “daughter” Casey; his East Coast siblings - younger sisters, Mary (Helen), Elaine, and Julie; and his younger brother, Steve, along with multiple nieces & nephews. He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the many communities he touched.
A celebration of Jym’s epic life will be held in the new year.
In Jym’s memory, please consider a donation to a cause near & dear to his heart: Abundant Grace Coastside Worker (www.abundantgracecw.org), a local nonprofit transforming the lives of homeless people through meaningful work.
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