What Is Clifton James Cause Of Death? Sheriff In James Bond Movies Dead At 96

Veteran actor Clifton James died Saturday close to his birthplace in Gladstone, Oregon at the age of 96. The actor, best known for his portrayal of southerner Sheriff J.W Pepper in two James Bond movies succumbed to complications from diabetes.

"He was the most outgoing person, beloved by everybody," said his daughter Lynn James. "I don't think the man had an enemy. We were incredibly blessed to have had him in our lives," she added, according to BBC.

He is survived by four great-grandchildren, 14 grandchildren, five children and two sisters. His wife Laurie James died in 2015.

James appeared in "Live and Let Die" in 1973, alongside Sir Roger Moore, who played the British spy. The writers brought back the character of Sheriff J.W Pepper in the 1974 Bond thriller "The Man with The Golden Gun" courtesy of the popularity of a chaotic boat chase scene in the previous movie.

Paying tribute on Twitter, Sir Roger wrote: "Terribly said to hear Clifton James has left us. As JW Pepper he gave my first two Bond films a great, fun character."

Born George Clifton James on May 29 in 1920, he grew up amidst the Great Depression. He served as a soldier in the U.S Army during World War II in the South Pacific and was awarded two Purple Hearts, a silver and a bronze star.

He acted in theater, film, and television alike for nearly six decades. He appeared for the first time on stage in “the Time of Your Life” and went on to be a part of several Broadway productions including Pulitzer Prize winning play “All The Way Home”.

James appeared in television series Dallas and films file Superman II and The Bonfire of Vanities. He was last seen in 2006 comedy "Raising Flag" but was also cast for an upcoming independent film, "Old Soldiers," according to IMDB.