Clifton James, Sheriff in James Bond Films, Dies at 96
Lawrence Yee
April 15, 2017 | 11:49AM PT
 
Clifton James, a veteran actor who appeared as Sheriff J.W. Pepper in two
James Bond films, died Saturday morning at age 96.
 
James died just blocks away from his childhood home, surrounded by friends
and family, loved ones told Variety in a statement.
 
Clifton was born in 1920, the eldest child of Grace and Harry James, and
grew up just outside Portland, Oregon during the heart of the Great
Depression.
 
According to relatives, he fought for five years on the front lines of the
South Pacific, earning two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for his service
during World War II.
 
His acting career spanned nearly six decades, and included theater, film,
and television. First appearing on stage in "The Time of Your
Life," he would go on to perform in several Broadway shows, including
the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama "All The Way Home."
 
James most famous role came on film. He appeared in two James Bond films
opposite Roger Moore: "Live and Let Die" (1973) and "The Man
with the Golden Gun" (1974). He portrayed the crowing Louisiana
sheriff, J.W. Pepper. James would play similar Southern lawman in numerous
other roles during his career, including "Silver Streak" and
"Superman II"
 
Among his other film credits included "Cool Hand Luke,"
"Eight Men Out" and "The Bonfire of the Vanities."
 
James enjoyed celebrating holidays with his wife Laurie. He is survived by
his sisters, Cicely and Beverley; his five children, Cory, Winkie, Hardy,
Lynn, and Mary; fourteen grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.
 
 
Regards,
 
Roger

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