Clement returns as favorite in ‘Survivor’
By Katherine Miller
STAFF WRITER
James Clement, Sr. and his wife Delores, parents of the local ‘Survivor’ star James Clement, were telling no secrets during an interview with the Post-Signal yesterday prior to the premier of Clement’s third appearance on the Survivor series.
Prior to his experiences on the CBS network, James Clement would have considered himself more of an Average Joe. Since his rise to fame that stemmed from his previous appearances on the show which include ‘Survivor: China’ and Survivor: Micronesia, James maintains a busy schedule filled with such things as interviews and was even featured in People magazine.
“Initially when he first joined the crew in ‘Survivor China,’ we were shocked because our son is typically the strong silent type,” James, Sr. said.
Bob Gates, friend of the family, echoed similar sentiments, “I was also surprised to find out James would be on the show. He’s a great guy who was dedicated to his school as well as to the football team of Notre Dame High School.”
The couple and their two daughters, Vanessa and Victoria, were overwhelmed with joy upon hearing that James was called by CBS to return to the set as a favorite in ‘Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.’
“James is very nonchalant, so I never heard the news from him, but from a friend of mine who read about it on the internet,” Delores said.
“The thing that makes me the most proud of him is that even though he is well-known now, I know that he will stick to his morals,” added the proud mother.
James, Sr. spoke of his experience when he accompanied his son during some of his travels. “It reminded me of when I was younger and being able to be there with him was great. What I have enjoyed the most is being able to see his personality come alive.”
Patti Ronkartz, friend and co-worker of Delores Clement will be at the Acadia Parish Public Library setting up a display of James’ adventures.
James is among other past Survivor favorites, including Amanda Kimmel, Candice Woodcock, Cirie Fields, Colby Donaldson, J.T. Thomas, Rupert Boneham, Stephanie LaGrossa, Jessica “Sugar” Kiper and Tom Westman
The Clements, who are very down-to-earth people have responded well to being in the spotlight.
“We have received a lot of fan mail and calls from all over the country from people who love James. We do appreciate these things and want James to know that we love him and we are hoping for a win,” stated Delores.
Hundreds of fans tuned in last night to watch the first episode of ‘Survivor Heroes vs. Villains’ with these same hopes.