Clarence F. Giles, Jr.

Clarence F. Giles, Jr., age 98, of Clayton, passed away peacefully at his son's residence in the Town of Brownville on Saturday morning, August 2, 2025. Born in Watertown, NY, on January 13, 1927, he was the son of Clarence F. and Florence (Walti) Giles. Mr. Giles graduated from Watertown High School in January 1945 and entered Naval Service in March of that year, serving until August 1946. Following his discharge, he attended the Watertown College Center of St. Lawrence University and later transferred to Union College, where he graduated in 1950. In 1953, he earned an LLB from Albany Law School and was admitted to the bar that November.

Mr. Giles joined his father, Special County Judge Clarence F. Giles, Attorney Roy A. Fuller, and Harry J. Goodwin in general legal practice. Over time, he became Senior Partner at the firm, working alongside colleagues including the Hon. Lee Clary, the Hon. Richard Hunt, Robert J. Maloney, Leonard R. Marsh, Wilfreda B. Stone, and Thomas J. Goodwin. He also operated an office in Evans Mills and continued his legal practice until retirement in 1987. Additionally, he served as an adjunct professor at Jefferson Community College, teaching courses within the paralegal program for several years.

In 1991, Mr. Giles was elected Clayton Village Justice, and beginning in 1994, he concurrently assumed the role of Town of Clayton Justice, retiring from both positions in 2015. He participated in Judicial Training Seminars and served as President of the Jefferson County Magistrates Association.

On December 28, 1957, he married Elizabeth J. Bungay (Betty) at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Syracuse. Both Clarence and Betty were committed to community service in Watertown, leading many initiatives that left a lasting legacy.  One such initiative was founding The Mustard Seed Natural Food Store. Upon retiring in 1987, they relocated to Clayton, where Mr. Giles contributed significantly to his wife's endeavors, including Clayton Young People's Theater and Save the Clayton Opera House. Together, they were named Clayton Citizens of the Year in 1998.

Mr. Giles pursued numerous hobbies, notably model railroading, a passion sparked during childhood visits to local railyards with his father and brother, which led to creating elaborate train layouts and assembling extensive collections. He enjoyed boating and treasured time spent on the St. Lawrence River with family and friends. His interactions with area farmers inspired him to collect milk bottles (at one point over 400). He enjoyed ice skating, cross-country skiing, travel, and especially history, amassing a considerable library on local historical subjects and giving occasional history talks and walking tours in and around Clayton.

A lifelong Episcopalian, Mr. Giles served at various levels within the church, including Parish, District, Diocesan, Provincial, and National, and was Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Central New York from 1984 to 2006. He and his wife represented their parish at multiple Episcopal Diocesan Conventions. He chaired the Jefferson County Chapter of the American Red Cross.  He enjoyed volunteering at the Antique Boat Museum, Thousand Islands Museum, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Food Bank, International Water Level Coalition, and the Clayton Lions Club, of which he was a member since 1987.

His involvement in Boy Scouting included roles as Cub Scout Pack Master at Knickerbocker School and Scoutmaster of Troop 1 at Trinity Church in Watertown, as well as service on the Boy Scout Council. Mr. Giles was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons for 73 years; affiliated for many years with Watertown Lodge 49 and, until his passing, with Masonic Lodge 297 in Alexandria Bay.

Clarence exemplified integrity, generosity, and devotion throughout his life, serving his country, community, and family with dedication. Through sharing stories of his life’s experiences and wisdom gained from truly caring about and respecting individuals, he inspired those around him and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his three children: William F. (Jane) Giles of Jacksonville, FL; Thomas A. (Peggy) Giles of Chaumont; and Julia Osmun-Giles (Andrew) of Syracuse; four grandchildren: Tejla, Daniel, Alexander, and Samuel; great-grandson Tevin; sister-in-law Patricia Giles of Watertown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and two brothers—one in infancy and Rev. Walter E. Giles, who died on October 20, 2024.

The family wishes to acknowledge Hospice of Jefferson County for their compassionate and professional support.

Calling hours will take place at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton, on Thursday, August 21, from 4–7 PM. A Masonic Service will be held at 6 PM during calling hours. Funeral services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Friday, August 22, at 11 AM with Rev. Lisa Busby officiating. Interment at Brookside Cemetery, Watertown, will follow at 3 PM. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 235 John St., Clayton, NY 13624.

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