Our beloved Clarence Edward James, 57, of Lansing departed this world for heaven on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.

Clarence was born on October 30, 1961 in Lansing, Michigan to Willie Lee James Sr. and Myrtis Lee James.

Clarence was a natural athlete who developed a love of sports as early as Junior High School where he ran track and played basketball for the Pattengill Indians.  Clarence's love and passion for basketball continued at Lansing Eastern High School (home of the Quakers).  He was affectionately known as "Clank."  He was an amazing star player who undoubtedly stood out both on and off the courts.  Clarence's smooth handle on basketball brought him many victories.

He and his team won the State of Michigan Basketball Championship in 1980. He helped lead the Quakers to the MHSAA Class A Championship and was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame.  Clarence attended college and played basketball at Lansing Community College, West Texas Community College in Laredo TX and Ferris State University.

Clarence's love and desire to be with family eventually brought him back to his hometown of Lansing.  He worked in construction for Quaker Management, a real estate company founded by former Lansing Eastern High School basketball team members.  He traveled across many states as a professional truck driver for numerous years.

Clarence leaves to cherish his memory: precious sons, Clarence James Jr. and Marcus Deshun Boles; parents, Willie Lee James Sr. and Myrtis Lee James; siblings, Willie James Jr., Jesse (Gracie) James, Eula Mae Jenkins, Almeta Foster, Beatrice James, Clyde (Mary) James, Eileen Marie (Marvin) Patterson and Jacqueline Ann James.

Clarence adored and was cherished by many cousins and a host of nephews and nieces.  It is well-known that "Uncle Clarence" had an incredible capacity to offer the young and old children in his life remarkable love, fun, jokes and limitless silly pranks.  His enormous heart and notorious joking nature will forever be cherished and remembered by his family.  "Clank" was called brother by many life-long friends; Calvin Van (Fish), Joe Alexander (Punch), Fred Williams, Don Heady (Hondo), Eric Hester (Money) and Jimmy Keyton (Rock).  Clarence leaves a multitude of family and friends who love and will miss him tremendously. "East Side for Life."

A special thank you to Sparrow Hospital Medical Staff and Lansing Hospice House who tenderly and patiently cared for Clarence in his final days with us.  Thank you to those who prayed, visited, called, texted, shared words of encouragement and beautiful memories. You are appreciated.

Mr. Clarence James will lie in repose Thursday, December 27, 2018 from 3-6 pm at Riley Funeral Home, 426 West St. Joseph St. Lansing, MI 48933. Service for Mr. Clarence James will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 11 am at Riley Funeral Home. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to service.

Memories and condolence may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com