James “Jim” Clayton Gladden passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2007 . He was born on November 2, 1921 . He was the son of the late James Thomas and Texas Anna Gladden. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marvel Beamer Gladden; four brothers, Hobart, Grant, Irvin, and Fred Gladden; three sisters, Mildred Horsley, Emma Clowers, and Mary Ralston. Jim was a veteran of the civilian conservation corp. and the U.S. Navy, having participated in the Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944 . He was a retired carpenter and a life member of the carpenters union. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and caring for others, but his family was his top priority. He is survived by his sister, Wilma Vandergrift; three sons and their families; Jimmy Gladden and children, Jay, Mary, and Jacob; Jerry and Susan Gladden and children, Summer and Anna; and Joe and Camillia Gladden and children, Staci, Ashley, and Justin; two great grandchildren, Austin McPeak and Blake Counts; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 AM on Saturday, October 20, 2007, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with the Bishop William E. Brown officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 19, 2007 from 6-8 PM at John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. The family suggests that memorials take the form of contributions to the American Cancer Society, Roanoke Office, 2840 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018 or the American Heart Association, Western Virginia, 4504 Starkey Road SW, Suite 115, Roanoke, VA 24014. To send condolences online, please register at www.johnmoakey.com.

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