In Memoriam: James Clunes ’52, OD ’54

James Clunes ’52, OD ’53 died June 13, 2022, at age 94. Clunes was the youngest and only survivor of six children born to Robert and Isabella Clunes in Motherwell, Scotland.

Clunes served two and a half years in the Royal Navy during World War II, and was stationed in Wales before emigrating to the United States in January 1949. He followed in the chosen profession of his brother, Roy, and attended Pacific University for five and a half years, graduating with a degree in biology and a doctor of optometry degree.

He married Verla Anderson in Corvallis, Ore., in 1953 and moved to Albany to practice optometry. Clunes joined with partners Dr. William Shackelford and Dr. C. Merle Landes to form the Albany Vision Clinic and Newport Vision Center. The three practiced together for 35 years.

He enjoyed many visits to Scotland and play golf with his friends. He was an avid golfer and was a past president of Springhill Country Club in Albany, Ore. He also formed the Albany Scottish Pipe and Drum band with Platt Davis. As the band grew in size, it performed in many parades in Oregon and Washington. Clunes was a member of the Albany City Council for four years and was a past president of the Albany Kiwanis Club. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Sun City West, Ariz., in 1995. 

Clunes was preceded in death by his wife, Verla; and siblings Anne, Jean, Roy, Isobel, and Myra. He is survived by his three children, three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.