James D. Claydon III

James Donald Claydon III passed away unexpectedly on October 10, 2024, at the age of 51. Known to
friends and family as Jim or Jimmy, he was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 1973. The family moved to
Sarasota, Florida, and he graduated from Riverview High School in 1992. Jim enlisted in the US Army
in 1993, achieving the rank of sergeant. He served five years of active duty, including deployment to
Somalia. During his time in the service, he earned the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense
Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals. Jim was
honorably discharged in 1998.

Jim applied the skills he acquired in the military as a heavy equipment driver and mechanic, and began
a successful career as a crane operator, earning the moniker, “Jimmy Crane.” He was a natural
entrepreneur and, as the founder of Premium Crane SW, LLC (Premium Crane Service of Southwest
Florida), Jim quickly expanded to having four cranes on the road, working throughout much of Florida
and into Georgia.

Jim was passionate about everything he did. He loved hosting and attending large gatherings of family
and friends. Jim was a member of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA), participating in a
variety of events to support his fellow veterans. In recent years, he enjoyed extensive travel, exploring
new destinations and learning from new experiences.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Katelynn Claydon. He is survived by his father, Jim Claydon
(Alba) and his mother, Cindy Claydon; his brother, Jefferson Claydon; five of his children, Samantha
Eliasen (Christopher), Luke Schwartz, Ashley Claydon, Jessica Claydon (Christopher Overstreet), and
Jimmy Claydon; as well as three grandchildren, Mason, Gracie, and Camren; and his nephew, Dawson.
Jim is also survived by his fiancé, Amy Martin; her four children, Sierra Martin, Sabrina Martin, Riley
Martin, and Andrew Martin; and her five grandchildren, Samiya, Jayce, Layliana, Azauri, Azalea. To all
of the grandchildren, Jim was affectionately referred to as “Pop-Pop.”

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for October 20, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Twisted Fork,
2208 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33948.

In lieu of flowers, friends and loved ones are encouraged to make donations to CVMA
(CombatVet.us) or the benevolent cause of their choosing.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James D. Claydon III, please visit our floral store.