Rev. James R. Clyburn Sr. was the fourth son of the deceased Rev. John J. and Jennie Clyburn Sr.  He was born on August 15, 1953 in Winston-Salem,  NC.  Rev. Clyburn was educated in the public schools in Winston-Salem and was a 1971 graduate of Atkins Senior High School.  He furthered his education at Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, NC.  and received his Bachelors degree at Winston Salem State University in 1990.  On May 7, 2011, he received his master’s degree from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical University in Greensboro, NC.  Rev. Clyburn has taught in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System for twenty-seven years and retired on July 1, 2019.

Rev. Clyburn was married for thirthy-eight years  to the former Deborah Murray, until her sudden death in 2010.  They had two children, Mrs. Janet Campbell of Winston Salem, NC and Rev. James Clyburn Jr. (Jondrea), of Winston-Salem, NC.  God blessed Rev. Clyburn to meet Sister Bernadette McDougald and they were married in January 2014.  Rev Clyburn became stepfather to two wonderful young men, Jason McDougald and Justin McDougald.  Together Rev. and Mrs. Clyburn have six grand-children, Ja’Nai and Duone Campbell, James and Justin Clyburn, Jasmine Beck, and Cash McDougald.

Rev. Clyburn was baptized at seven years old.  During his years at Red Bank, he has served in many capacities.  He sang on the first organized choir, taught Sunday School, directed the Senior Choir, served as Youth Director, Superintendent of Sunday School, member of the Board of Trustees, the Deacon Board, and served as Assistant Pastor.

Rev. Clyburn was licensed to preach the Gospel at Red Bank Baptist Church on October 24, 1981.  He became Assistant Pastor at Red Bank in January 1983 and was ordained in August 1983.  In 1985, he became Pastor of Red Bank due to the sudden death of his father.  In 2017, Rev. Clyburn was selected as “Man of the Year” by The Chronicle.  This honor was bestowed on Rev. Clyburn due to his commitment to the community as an educator and a pastor.  He has ministered, counseled, and led individuals to Christ in both capacities.

Rev. Clyburn believes in providing sound practical teaching and opportunities to edify the kingdom of God.  Because of his love for Christ and his selfless love for his people, Rev. Clyburn is committed to letting his light shine so that many may see his good works to glorify God.

The members of Red Bank have been blessed under the inspired and efficient leadership of Pastor Clyburn.  He is a man of God who has led Red Bank wisely and well.