J. Clayton Obituary

J. David Clayton, Sr.

March 3, 1931 - January 26, 2026

J. David Clayton, Sr., age 94, went on to glory rejoicing on January 26, 2026. He was born to James B. and Ella May Clayton on March 3, 1931 in Wilmington, DE. As a child, Dave lived in Merchantville, NJ, later moving to Linwood, where he grew up with his older sister, Jeannine and younger brother Howard. Dave attended Pleasantville High School where he met his beloved wife of 62 years, Mable Sutton. They were blessed with four children, Cathy, Jim, Steve and Dan and ten grandchildren, Rachel, Jenny, Brent, Jason, Andrea, Casey, Gus, Jessica, Ben and Samantha. As a young man, Dave worked on the bay fishing and clamming, where his love of the bay started and continued his entire life. Dave's other passion was woodworking. He became an extremely talented cabinetmaker and worked 33 years with the Federal Aviation Administration until his retirement in 1994. A talented musician, Dave began playing guitar as a teenager, performing with his sister and best friend in Atlantic City. Throughout his life, Dave and his wife Mable spread the gospel with their singing together in church and throughout South Jersey, spending many Saturday nights at Albert Hall in Waretown. Dave also loved history, especially of Bargaintown and the bay, and was always willing to share his knowledge and experiences. Dave and Mabe attended Zion U.M. Church for over 75 years. Through their involvement at Zion and Delanco Camp, they were Christian mentors to all. If you knew Dave, you knew of his commitment to Christ and his strong desire to bring others to Jesus. He did not want one soul to miss going to heaven. Dave is survived by his brother, Howard Clayton (Barbara); sons, Stephen Clayton (Lori), and Dan Clayton (Kathi); daughter-in-law, Melissa Clayton; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents; his wife, Mable; second wife, Diane; sister, Jeannine Dix (Jack); son, Jimmy, daughter, Cathy; and grandson, Ben. We have no doubt he is celebrating in heaven with all of them now! Services will be held at Wellspring Church in Mays Landing on March 14, 2026. Visitation will be held 1 to 2:30 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30 p.m.

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