Jim and Janelle Clinkenbeard

Jan 28, 2022

The Shoe Tree near Pogue Library — The Shoe Tree is located outside Pogue Library and is an ongoing tradition for couples who met at Murray State and went on to get married.

We met after a street dance by Hart Hall on September 9, 1969. We were introduced by fellow art major, Sherron, who was our maid-of-honor. Our friendship blossomed into true, lasting love. Janelle graduated in '73 and for her MAEd in '77 while 8 1/2 months pregnant with our first child. I left for the USAF in '71 and returned in '75, graduating in '77. In between, we were married in May '72, the end of her junior year. We have been married for over 47 years and have three grown, successful sons, three marvelous career-daughter-in-laws, and four grandchildren. We returned for 2019 Homecoming and ATO's 50th Anniversary in 2009. Our middle son was a Racer athlete and graduated in 2010. Although neither of us were born in Kentucky, we still consider Murray home.

Jim and Janelle Clinkenbeard

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