Private First Class, James, Clinton Eugene, 25 living years. An Adventurer whose home base was “the mitten”, whose soul departed on February 16, 2015, while training for combat at Camp Pendleton, CA. Clinton was born December 17, 1989 and was the son of Roger James and Tara (Nathan) Horton. He was a 2008 graduate of Dundee High School where he served as Class President and was a member of the Track and Cross Country teams. He attended Michigan State and Eastern Michigan Universities, where he was a brother of the Tau Kappa Epsilon – Delta Phi Chapter. He joined the United States Marine Corps and graduated from Recruit Training on January 23, 2015. He was a lover of words and books; and held a passion for writing. He was set to begin training to become a Field Correspondent for the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed a round of hacky sack, a game of Frisbee golf, or anything where he could jump and/or run. He spent many hours challenging his friends at chess, D&D, and Magic. He enjoyed music, walking after midnight, and trees. Clinton loved deeply and lived his life fully. He wanted to see and experience all that this world had to offer. He had an infectious smile that could turn your head. He believed “Life was a Journey, NOT a Destination” , and no words could completely describe all that he was; He will be missed by many. “The spirit is too fine a thing to be allowed to die, It must be fostered and kept alive and made a moving force” All of those , that were touched by him in this life will carry his love and compassion for life, along with them down life’s highway. He shared his childhood with a blended family of three sisters; Charlotte (Tyler) Wingate, Jessica Horton, and Heather Geer; and two brothers, Jeremy Horton and Brett Geer. He is remembered by his grandmothers Betty James and Audrey Blackburn, and his grandfather Luther (Mary) Blackburn. He was an Uncle to two nieces, Ashley and Brooke Cilley. And was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. There were many who traveled on before him; including two grandfathers, Charles James and Albert Paterno; three uncles, Darrel James, Kenneth James, and Ferd Blackburn; stepmother, Connie James; as well as many extended family and loved ones. Time to receive family and friends has been set for Wednesday, February 25, 2015, from 12pm to 8pm at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian MI. The family has set a 6pm memorial\share time for anyone wishing to share memories. An open mic will be provided. A Celebration of Life Service is to be held 1:00 PM Thursday, February 26, 2015, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI, with Pastor Roy Southerland will offciating. Clinton will be interred into rest at Washtenong Memorial Park, Ann Arbor MI, with Military Honors conducted by Weapons Company, 1St Battalion, 24th Marines. In lieu of flowers donations will be accepted for a memorial scholarship in Clinton's name for brothers in need from Tau Kappa Epsilon - Delta Pi Chapter. Information available from the funeral home. A scholarship, in Clintons honor will be set up to assist fellow brothers in need. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the website at pursefuneralhome.com