James John Clinton

James John Clinton passed away peacefully on December 31st, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on July 6th, 1934, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and lived a life dedicated to family, music education, and community service.

A proud veteran, Jim served in the United States Army and Army Reserves between September 1953 and August 1961; he began his military service as a Private in the First Platoon of the 10th Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, and later played trumpet in the 5th Army Band while stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

Education was a cornerstone of Jim’s life; he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music and Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During his college years, Jim was a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha, a music fraternity, honing his estimable talents as both a teacher and trumpet player while also becoming an increasingly busy freelance performer.

As a member of the burgeoning Milwaukee Symphony during this time, Jim began his teaching career in 1959 at Bell Junior High for the Milwaukee Public Schools before moving on to Wauwatosa West High School in 1963. In 1966, he joined the Greendale Schools, where he successfully established and developed a district-wide string instrument program from the ground up. For an impressive 23 years, Jim served as Director of the Greendale High School Orchestra and was also Head of the Music Department. Under his leadership, the orchestra thrived, playing not only concerts of serious repertoire but lighter fare by its “Pops Strings” component as well, playing in the pit for the annual musicals and performing at various music festivals across the United States and Canada. Jim held these achievements dear to his heart.

Following his retirement, Jim continued to leave an indelible mark on the Greendale community. His involvement started as a member of the Jaycees and Roosters. He then joined the Greendale Lions Club where his leadership as President (1992-1993) highlighted his commitment to service. He played a pivotal role in two significant community projects: the development of the Gathering Place – and creation of a bandstand in Gazebo Park – and the initiation and sole running of "Rummage on the Green” for 13 years during Greendale’s annual “Village Days” celebration, which further enriched the community he resided in for well over 60 years and cherished so deeply. Jim also contributed to the greater Milwaukee music scene for 15 years as a member and Music Director of Command Performance, a big band ensemble where he often performed alongside his wife, Mary Ellen, also a native of Two Rivers, who served as the band’s female vocalist.

Jim's warm personality made him beloved to all those who knew him. He was kind, soft-spoken, dedicated, and generous. His love for family was unparalleled, especially during holidays, special occasions, and vacations -when he followed far-flung adventures with meticulously crafted albums full of photos to preserve those cherished memories.

An avid lover of classical, jazz, big-band, and mariachi music, Jim could often be found enjoying concerts throughout his life, including many Chicago and Milwaukee Symphony performances as well as school concerts and musicals of his many grandchildren. He was a big fan of the “Great American Songbook”; performers Harry James, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, and Ella Fitzgerald were some of his favorites. He also engaged in numerous hobbies, including photography, home improvement projects, antiquing, collecting coins, stamps, and arrowheads, as well as canoeing, biking, cross-country skiing, and archery. The family cottage near Egg Harbor in Door County held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Ellen Clinton; their children Gregory (Susanna) Clinton (Omaha, NE), Ann (Laird) Myrold (Brookfield, WI), Marcy (Jeffery) Pipkorn (Brentwood, TN), Steven (Lisa) Clinton (Chaska, MN), and Christopher (Jennifer) Clinton (Menomonee Falls, WI); along with 17 grandchildren, including Jana (Clinton) Jaffa, Haley (Clinton) Ulfson, Samuel Myrold, Luke Myrold, Joseph Myrold, Ellison Pipkorn, Jackson Pipkorn, Calvin Clinton, Colby Clinton, Cooper Clinton, Taylor Clinton, Rachel Clinton, Alexis Congdon, Madison Congdon, Billy Kaplan, Molly Kaplan, and Lucy Kaplan; 2 great-grandchildren, Klara Ulfson and Catherine Jaffa; and many other relatives and friends. He is also missed by his beloved dog, Benny GoodDog, named in tribute of Benny Goodman.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Houston Clinton; mother, Serena Louise (Hoffman) Clinton Graff; stepfather, Joseph Graff; brother, Thomas Clinton; and sister, Joyce Allie.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His contributions to music and community, along with his legacy of kindness and love for family, will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

Visitation will take place on January 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM, followed by a Mass beginning at 11:30 AM at Saint Mary's Catholic Faith Community, located at 9520 W Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners, WI, 53130. Entombment to follow at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery. The family would like to thank Jim’s many doctors, the staff at St. Luke's Hospital  (11th South Knisley Building) and the welcoming staff at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice for the compassionate care they were most willing and able to provide.