James Clift

James R. Clift
Honesdale, PA

James R. Clift, 77, of Honesdale, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Wayne Memorial Hospital, Honesdale, PA. Born on December 15, 1944, in Carbondale, PA, he was the son of the late Millard P. and Mary E. Clift. Jim is survived by Maureen Clift, his wife of 54 years. The couple married on July 20, 1968.

Jim was a graduate of St. Rose High School in Carbondale. He went on to receive advanced degrees in Education from the University of Scranton and Lehigh University. Jim enjoyed a lengthy career in the field of Education, as both a teacher and an administrator. Jim spent most of his career at Wayne Highlands School District, serving in many roles. In 1967, he began his career as a history teacher at Honesdale High School. In 1972, Jim moved on to become Principal at the Damascus School. In 1975, he went on to become Principal of Wayne Highlands Middle School, where he made many lasting friendships and impacted many lives until moving on in 1993. After a short stint back in the classroom at Honesdale High School, Jim ended his career at Western Wayne Middle School, serving as Principal from 1997 – 2002. Throughout his life, Jim, or “Mr. Clift”, left a positive impact on everyone he encountered, always placing high value on building meaningful relationships with both the broader community and with those he held near and dear to his heart. Jim was a mentor to many, always keeping and providing great perspective. He fully understood the value of a good laugh, and for his friends and family, he was often the reason behind joyful moments filled with exactly that. To know him was to love him. To his many friends, “Gentleman Jim” will forever be fondly remembered for the dignity and respect he showed to everyone as well as for the many fun-filled rounds of golf.

James was also very active in his community. He thoroughly enjoyed his time serving on the Board of Directors at Wayne Memorial Hospital, as well as many other organizations such as the Honesdale Area Jaycees, the Honesdale Lions Club and the Honesdale Golf Club Board of Directors. In everything he did, Jim always provided leadership and positive insight.

In addition to his wife, James is survived by his daughter Heather Frigoletto, her husband Gregory and their two daughters Olivia and Bella, Honesdale; brother William Clift and wife, Rena, Belvidere, NJ; and nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Ann “Peggy” Clift.

Jim’s granddaughters, Livy and the “Bells” were the highlight of his life. Nothing brought him more joy and pride than his two granddaughters.

Donations may be made to the James R. Clift Memorial Fund c/o Wayne County Community Foundation, 214 Ninth Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 or you can make a secure donation via waynefoundation.org <http://waynefoundation.org/> or by using the following link: https://waynefoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/180725-james-r-clift-memorial-fund

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of his family. Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.