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James Clyburn Obituary

James Leo Clyburn RALEIGH, NC - James L. Clyburn, Professor Emeritus of Piano at Meredith College, died Saturday, October 13, 2012 after several years of failing health. He was 80 years old. A memorial service will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Raleigh on Wednesday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet friends after the service. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, he came to North Carolina to attend Elon College. He graduated in 1953 with a major in both piano and organ. After graduating from Elon College, he attended the Julliard School of Music. After one year at Julliard, he was drafted and served the United States Army for two years in Orleans, France. He returned to Julliard and completed the Masters Degree in 1958. He joined the faculty at Meredith College that fall where he taught for forty-two years. He also served as organist at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. He retired from both positions in 2000. During his tenure he performed many recitals, both solo and with other musicians. One of his favorite professional activities was judging auditions and contests throughout the state. He was a much-loved and much-admired musician and a wonderful teacher. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and their three children and their families: Rev. Claire Clyburn McKeown and her daughter, Catherine, of Carrboro, NC; J. Albert Clyburn, his wife, Marty, and their children Anna Margaret and James Albert, of Wilmington, NC; Lee Clyburn, his wife Tina, and their children Aubrey, Ellie, and Natalie, of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by two sisters and their husbands and one brother: Mary and Bruce Bloomingburg of Charleston, SC; Ruth and Tom Greene of Enterprise, AL; and Billy Clyburn of Morgan Hill, CA. He is also survived by several nephews and nieces. At his request, his ashes will be scattered on his parents' grave in Charleston. Memorial contributions may be made to the Save the Children Foundation, Zoe Ministry, or the Music Ministry at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. www.BrownWynne.com Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Oct. 14 to Oct. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for James Clyburn

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Robert Bloomingburg

July 26, 2024

Miss you Uncle James...

Yvonne Nance

December 4, 2012

I just learned of Jim Clyburn's death when reading my Meredith Alumnae Magazine. I am so saddened . I knew him while I was a music major at Meredith. He was not my piano teacher, but I wish he had been. I admired his playing and respected his words of advice to me when I asked for them. The world of music has lost a fine man and wonderful musician.
I was a couple of years behind Margaret and remember so well when they became engaged.
Yvonne Norris Nance '64

Jenny (West) Ramsey

October 20, 2012

Mr. Clyburn was an inspiration to me. In my years growing up at Hayes Barton Methodist Church, I heard him play the piano and the organ perfectly every week. I went on to study piano with him at Meredith College, where he quietly encouraged me to take my playing to new levels. He was so quiet and modest, yet such a masterful musician. I thank God for him and his influence in my life. He instilled in me a love for beautiful music and a quiet confidence in my abilities.

Betty Anne Haskins Schlegel

October 19, 2012

Mr. Clyburn was a wonderful, inspiring teacher for me. As I have taught piano for many years, I have remembered him with warm, happy memories. I still tell my students what he taught me. We will all miss him. My love to Margaret and the rest of the family. Betty Anne Haskins Schlegel, Class of '68

Berglind Jonsdottir

October 17, 2012

Mr. Clyburn was a beautiful person and inspired everyone that got to know him. I send the family my deepest condolences.

David and Jeanne Smoot

October 17, 2012

Sincere condolences to Margaret and family. David and I enjoyed running into Jim and family during the years. He was unfailingly kind and always a pleasure to share good conversation with. We had the privilege of hearing him play on occasion. He was a modest man, but very talented and bright. He will be greatly missed.

Celie Richardson

October 17, 2012

I met Mr. Clyburn only in the last few years, at Carrboro UMC. He was full of talent and grace. My sympathies to all who will miss him forever.

Pin Pin Jong

October 17, 2012

Mr Clyburn has been such an inspiration to me and has influenced me in so many ways as a teacher. I will miss him dearly!

Nell Jorgensen Buchman

October 16, 2012

I am so devastated to hear of Mr. Clyburn's passing. I was a student of his and owe him a great deal-he helped me become a better pianist and person! He always made me feel special and like I could do anything. His talent and teaching were an inspiration but the way he lived his life was even more. If I can live out even a bit of his example in my own teaching, playing, parenting and friendship, my life will have been a good one! My heart goes out to his dear wife and family.

Stephanie Kelly

October 16, 2012

My prayers and thoughts are with your family during your time of loss. (went to school with Lee)

Timothy Owens

October 16, 2012

He was a talented musician, a remarkable teacher, a wise mentor, and a good friend. My life is indeed enriched for having known him. I can only imagine how many other lives he touched with his kind spirit and gracious nature. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Kelly Benton

October 16, 2012

Ms. Margeret,
I always loved to listen to and watch Mr. Jim play the organ at Masonboro. His talent was truely God given and he used it for God's glory. He was an extrordinary man.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Gretchen Hoag

October 16, 2012

I had the honor of working with Jim Clyburn while getting my master's degree at Meredith. He was indeed such an amazing musician, and one of the kindest people one could ever hope to meet. My life is richer for having known him.

Peter Klausmeyer

October 16, 2012

I taught at Meredith College for three years and have the fondest memories of Jim. Great guy. I'll always treasure Jim's personal warmth. Some days, that warmth made all the difference.

Susan Benfield Feuerstein

October 16, 2012

My thoughts and prayers to the Clyburn family. Piano was not one of my strengths, but he made Keyboard class so interesting and fun. I have many fond memories of him from my Meredith days. The music department in Heaven has just gained a jewel.

2010: Scroll of Donors to the Chopin Award named for James Clyburn.

Marie Willett

October 15, 2012

William Weisser

October 15, 2012

My prayers and deepest sympathies to all in the Clyburn family...may the music of angels surround Jim as he enters the Heavenly Kingdom.

Dot Taylor-Senter

October 15, 2012

May your good memories bring peace and comfort during these long days. Love and prayers to the Clyburn family

Ann Pearce

October 15, 2012

Margaret, so many people were affected by Jim's approach to music ministry and also through music education. His calm demeanor and his deep talents endeared him to everyone. Hold to your many memories of happy times together. My best, Ann Pearce

October 15, 2012

Jim Clyburn was an extraordinary man; he commanded respect from anyone who taught with him or learned from him....often simultaneously. I was blesse with the opportunity of meeting and knowing him at Meredith College where we both taught. He was a man of dignity, loyal to the 'nth degree to his high educational standards (and they were indeed very high), and he will be sorely, sorely missed. Prayers for his family and friends will undoubtedly be heard, as he possessed a very spiritual soul. Rest in peace, dear friend and mentor; rest well.
Risa Poniros (Raleigh)

October 15, 2012

Prayers and deepest sympathy to Margaret and all her family, and to Jim's family. And much appreciation and fond memories of my piano lessons with Jim at Meredith; his knowledge and patience certainly guided me in my own teaching career of elementary piano students and public school music. Jim will be greatly missed by so many of his students, friends, and colleagues.
Gay Wood and husband, Jim
(Washington, D.C.)

Christie Lynch Ebert

October 15, 2012

I will never forget Mr. Clyburn's warm smile, gentle spirit, and giftedness with music. Prayers of peace and love are with the Clyburn family.

Marie Burnette

October 15, 2012

My prayers & sympathy go to Margaret & the children. Jim was such a kind and wonderful person. It was such a pleasure working with him as pres. of the NC Music Teachers Assoc. He was a true gentleman, and wonderful musician. Marie Burnette, High Point

Dora Weaver Owens

October 15, 2012

I have very fond memories of Professor Clyburn from my years at Meredith. He was patient & kind always. I know you will miss him

Marie Willett

October 15, 2012

Such a gentle soul as his will surely make heaven a little brighter. His light will be missed down here. I will miss him so much.

Tom Hardison

October 15, 2012

Jim was a wonderful friend. He was always kind and enjoyed a gentle sense of humor that made communication with him a pleasure. Making music with Jim was exciting and the many two piano recitals we did together were enjoyable for many.
I shall miss his spirit but i know he lives on in the lives of his children, friends and many students.
Sincerely,
Tom Hardison

Peter Kirkpatrick

October 14, 2012

Love, prayers, and sympathy to Claire and Catherine McKeown. Although I never had the privilege of meeting Professor Clyburn, clearly he was a special man. I send prayers and compassion to all his family and to all those who were blessed to know him. God's peace to you.

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