James A. Clendaniel

On February 22, 2025, with his wife and family by his side, James A. Clendaniel, peacefully went home to be with the Lord. He was 86. 

Jim was born on March 7, 1938, in Coatesville, PA, to the late Ralph and Ann (Pavelik) Clendaniel.  

He graduated from Dover High School in 1956.  

Jim honorably served our country in the Delaware National Guard for 15 years.  

Jim was employed by the State of Delaware Materials and Research Department, for nearly fifteen years. In 1971, he became an Estimating Engineer at Tilcon, where he refined his skills and established a strong reputation for his negotiation expertise. Over his 29-year career, he progressed through numerous roles, ultimately serving as President from 1988 to 1992. He concluded his tenure there as the Director of Special Projects before retiring.  

After his retirement, Clendaniel Consulting, LLC was formed by Jim and his wife, Sharon, in 2000. He was a registered lobbyist who represented the trucking, hot mix, utility, and transportation industries. In addition, he served as Executive Director of Delaware Asphalt Paving Association (DAPA); and Delaware Utility Transportation Contractors Association (DUTCA).  

Community involvement was no stranger to Jim. He was an active member with Avenue Methodist and had a long history of serving his church; served on the Magnolia Town Council and Interim School Board (Magnolia/Caesar Rodney), 50 Year Life Member and President of Station 55 (Magnolia) Fire Company. He was also very instrumental in volunteering his time in designing and managing the construction of the original Horsepond Rd / Dover Little League Park.  

He applied his leadership skills in numerous Professional Organizations such as: State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Delmarva Post of Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Delaware Motor Transportation Association (DMTA), National Asphalt Paving Association (NAPA); a member of the State of Delaware Commission on Hazardous Material; Highway Committee of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce.  

Of all the projects he worked on throughout his life, several stood out. He was extremely proud of being on the Design Team of the Dover Downs racecar track now called Dover Motor Speedway; later he designed a new asphalt compound to withstand the rigors and stress of the Nascar race cars; this led to working on other NASCAR projects and one with the Australian racetrack. Also, Tilcon’s successful completion of extending and improving the runways at DAFB brought him a great sense of pride and patriotism. As a result of his commitment to this project he was proud to be selected as the Honorary Commander for the 436th Civil Engineering Squadron.  

Jim served 6 years as Chairman of the Trustees at Avenue UMC. He was instrumental, along with his fellow paving contractors, in the repaving of Avenue’s Church parking lot.  

He formed a grass roots committee to keep the Shawnee Country Club Golf Course from a planned housing development. His dedication to a project from start to finish brought him much joy and satisfaction. He liked working behind the scenes to get a cause started and then enjoyed the rewards when it came to fruition. His gift was bringing the right people together to “Make it Happen”!  

More than anything else, he would always find time for his family and friends. He was a role model to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He loved with his whole heart and being. He enjoyed being a mentor to teach and guide along the way. Jim was the “resource go-to guy.” He never said No when asked for help. He would always give his absolute best! Jim loved the Lord and being the hands and feet of Jesus. He was a true servant of God.  

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sharon Clendaniel. He is also survived by his children, David Clendaniel and his wife Janet, Jay Clendaniel and his wife Sonya, Shelby McKenzie and her husband Scott, and Dana Isom and her husband Glen, his grandchildren, Josh Clendaniel and his wife Casey, David Clendaniel, II, Dallas Mckenzie and his wife Becca, Sara Clendaniel, and Samantha Isom, four great grandchildren, his siblings, Sue Ann McClements, and Howard Clendaniel and his wife Nancy, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.  

A Memorial Service will be held at Avenue United Methodist Church, 20 North Church Street, Milford, at 1PM on Wednesday March 5th. The family will receive visitors starting at 11AM.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name, may be made to Avenue United Methodist Church.