James Williams Clay III died peacefully in his sleep on December 4, 2023 at the age of 88. He was born in Henderson, Kentucky on February 24,1935 to the late George Stoner and Katherine Davis Clay. He was predeceased by his sisters, Sally Bray and Lili Palmore. Jim attended the local schools in Henderson and enjoyed playing basketball and golf with his friends. Upon graduation from Barrett High School, he attended Vanderbilt University where he graduated in 1957 and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He was a Reservist in the United States Army. Jim graduated from the University of Kentucky Law School in 1961. He practiced law briefly in Henderson with his father, then joined his classmate, John Y. Brown, at KFC as House Counsel. In 1971 he joined Blake Page in the practice of law. He continued to practice law in Winchester until his retirement in 2005. He served as Master Commissioner of the Clark Circuit Court, Counsel for the Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission, and Winchester City Prosecuting Attorney. He was a member of the Kentucky and Tennessee Bar Associations and former president of the Winchester Rotary Club and the Winchester Country Club. He served as Elder and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, Winchester. He was an avid golfer and gardener and a member of Lamplighters Club. Jim was a regular volunteer at Hospice East and the Clark Regional Medical Center. Jim is survived by the love of his life, Minnielynn Clay, his son James Clay IV, his daughters Melissa Dean (David), Ellen McLean (Joe), and Elizabeth Ebert, grandchildren Katie and Olivia McLean, Robert and Parker Dean, Austin Golden, nieces Julie Williams (Squire), Katy Bray, Rene Zeiset (Vernon), great nieces Lili and Dorsey Williams and many cousins and dear friends. Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Winchester on December 8th starting at 11:30 am, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm. The family will hold a private burial service at the Richmond Cemetery. Memorial gifts can be made to Hospice East 407 Shoppers Drive Winchester, KY 40391