Mr. James Clifton Cash

Obituary For Mr. James Clifton Cash

James Clifton Cash, affectionately known as “Cliff,” was born on January 25, 1941, in Gulledge Twp., North Carolina, and entered into eternal rest on May 2, 2025. He was the third of ten children and the eldest son born to Robert Lee and Carrie Mae (Simon) Cash. Cliff was raised in a close-knit and loving family, where he developed a strong work ethic and deep sense of responsibility, often helping his mother in the garden and his father in the fields.

Cliff received his early education in the Wadesboro, North Carolina, school system. He attended Green Hill Elementary School through the fourth grade before continuing at West Deep Creek School,

where he excelled academically and later graduated from Deep Creek High School in 1960. Known for his friendly nature, Cliff got along well with nearly everyone and was beloved by his classmates and cherished by his teachers.

A natural leader even in his youth, Cliff began driving the school bus in the 10th grade, a responsibility he maintained until his graduation. He also had a passion for basketball, playing throughout his school years and taking great joy in the game.

In the summer of his 13th year, during the annual revival at Cedar Creek Baptist Church, Cliff was baptized—a profound experience that marked the beginning of his lifelong journey of faith. His relationship with God and his love for his family remained cornerstones of his life.

After high school, Cliff moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he worked at S&W Cafeteria for over a year before relocating to Montclair, New Jersey. It was during this time that he was drafted into the U.S. military, serving his country with pride and honor. Following his military service, Cliff worked for several companies, including Mountainside Hospital, Bendix Corp., Revlon, and Schwann Cosmetics. He was also a licensed barber, known for his skilled hands and warm conversations with his clients.

In the late 1960s, Cliff married Sharon Bacon, and from this union, his son Derek Cash was born in New Jersey. In 1984, he married Gloreen Cash, and from this union, his son Jarrett (Jeanine) Cash was born in Maryland. Cliff also gained a beloved stepdaughter, Omodele Cordero and her son Tryston Sobanjo of Florida, who survives him and cherishes his memory.

After returning to North Carolina in 2007, Cliff rekindled his passion for farming, raising cattle, and tending to a large vegetable garden—a reflection of his deep connection to the land and his roots.

Cliff is survived by his loving siblings: Doris Brandon, Monroe, NC, Carolyn Cash, Ft. Washington, MD, Robert Lemar Cash, Dallas, TX, Veronica Gordon (Gary) of Columbia, SC, Wiley Cash (Cynthia) Monroe, NC, and Penelope “Penny” Avery, Hillsborough NJ and Janet Huntley of Charlotte, NC; sisters-in-law: Claudia (Don) Viapree, Donelda (William) Iyizoba, Joan Davidson; brothers-in-law: Desmond (Donna) Neilson, Paul (Jackie) Neilson, and Vivian (Maureen) McCain; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A service to celebrate Mr. Cash's life and legacy will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Cedar Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 1293 Cedar Creek Road, Wadesboro, North Carolina. Interment with military honors will follow in the family plot at the church cemetery.

The Cash family will greet family and friends on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:00 PM at Cedar Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

A public viewing will be held at Smith's Funeral Home on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.