Obituary of James Clifford

James Joseph Clifford, known to his friends as Jimmy or Jim, was born on January 29, 1944 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Washington Heights, New York.  Born to John Clifford and Katherine Koechlin, Jimmy was the second of 10 children.  

Jimmy grew up in Washington Heights and at a very young age, he learned the importance of hard work.  He began working at the age of 10 shining shoes and delivering groceries to help his parents support their growing family. 

Eventually, Jimmy found his way into sales and it was at this time that he met his wife of 54 years, Jean Saclayan.  Jimmy and Jean went on to have four children; James Jr., John, Scott (Dagmara) and Christine (Orlando) Santiago. 

Jimmy and Jean moved to Huntington in 1974 where they became members of St. Patrick’s Parish.  In 1979 Jimmy started his first business and ended up going to the kitchen industry.  In 1992, he started Kitchen Depot, a kitchen and bath manufacturing business which continues to thrive today under the leadership of his son Scott and his nephew, Frank Garvey. Jimmy was self-educated and was constantly learning and acquiring knowledge about the industry. His wife Jean says he was “one of the smartest people she has ever known”.  

Jimmy found joy in many different hobbies including playing tennis; traveling, especially to Florida; telling jokes, and playing Black Jack.  Jimmy loved boating and earned his United States Coast Guard Captain's License.  Jimmy was a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 4, Huntington and was responsible for their food drives. 

Jimmy passed peacefully surrounded by his family on October 26, 2024.   He is survived by his wife, Jean; his 4 children and their spouses; and his four grandchildren Alex Williams; Liliana and Stella Clifford and Kaitlyn Clifford; and his sisters Florence Leddy and Marie Clifford.