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James Clauson Obituary

CLAUSON, James F. Of Charlton formerly of Needham and Wellesley, 79, passed away Friday November 14, 2008. He is survived by his loving wife Joan (Wentworth) Clauson and 9 children. Funeral Services will be annoucned at a later date. The Robert J. Miller-Charlton Funeral Home is assisting Jim's family.

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Published by Boston Globe on Nov. 19, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Clauson

Not sure what to say?





Mallory Cusano

November 21, 2010

I still miss you every day Pa.

November 14, 2010

11/14/2010
Dear Fa,

I was walking back from the beach to make it home in time to watch the Patriots. Being in Hawaii, I miss alot of the games. I saw a beautiful rainbow on my way. I thought of you and how much you have inspired me and made me laugh. I am glad that gene passed my way!

It is hard to believe it has been two years. I have traveled alot from job to job and left my mark! I am only sorry you are not here to listen to all my funny stories and adventures.You are will always be greatly missed, but you are always with me in my soul.

Your picture is next to my TV looking at the Patriots-who will win today for you!

Miss you and love you

Di

Kate Ellis

November 14, 2010

"If I had a flower for everytime I thought of you..I could walk through my garden forever." Alfred Lord Tennyson

I miss you dear Father.

November 13, 2010

Novembere 14, 2010

My darling Jim,

You are the love of my life. So many times I have tried to write this, but just couldn't. There is a gigantic hole in my heart. It's two years ago today since you physically left us and it seems like yesterday. I still feel that you are here. Your presence is so powerful...loyal intelligent, kind, thoughtful, spiritual, protective and loving. Always fun...even when our numerous health issues surfaced we always found something silly to laugh about.

I find myself smiling when I think of so many of the joys we shared since we met in 1987. We traveled through Europe in great style and loved living in Sunningdale, UK. Having the kids and friends visit was such a treat. When we came back to Needham it was like we had never been away. We started to play bridge again and we had such fun with Margie and Paul. Every Wednesday you loved Bible Study at Christ Church.

I couldn't believe that you wanted to move to Overlook because we loved our life in Needham, but you were always a good decision maker, and it has been a good move. You loved life in Charlton with the wonderful friends we made. They have been such a tremendous support for me...especially your buddies Walton and Howard.

When you sat down beside me to open the mail and your head rolled back, I never dreamed you had passed into the arms of the God you loved and who loved you so. It happened so fast....just the way you wanted to go. Knowing that you are at peace and have been spared the suffering that was in the future has been so helpful to me. I agonized for a year about parting with your ashes. Deba and I were talking and decided that the first anniversary would be a good time to put them in the Sanctuary Garden at Christ Church. You loved that garden and the family can all visit you there. We wanted to keep the service simple. Pam called me on the Thursday before to tell me that Hurricane Ida was on her way here on Saturday. It was momentous. Walton drove me down in a torrential rain and we met Deba, Mal and Cody. Both Skip and Peter did the service with readings from your favorite guy, Isaiah. The wind howled and we all were drenched as we stood and watched Ida Mae roar in to take her boy home. Most people would have postponed the service, but we all felt the symbolism was so profound that we were sure that we were doing the right thing at the right time. You would love it!

You have left a wonderful legacy, my love. I am so proud of you, and you should be proud of all you accomplished. I enjoy my chats with Deba, Di and Kate and their children, who all miss you. Jon and Pam and their families talk about you often and miss you. Connor, then aged 8, comforted Pam by telling her that he knew you would come back as a butterfly, a Monarch, because that is the king of the butterflies. Needless to say butterflies are now of major importance in our lives. We talk to them.

I know we will be together some day, but in the meantime, keep a smile on that handsome face and know that you are loved beyond measure. I have a brick in the garden right next to yours. Deba, Mal and I are going to Christ Church tomorrow and we'll visit you after the service.

You are, indeed, the love of my life, and I miss you every minute of every day.

Your Joanie

December 18, 2009

Jim:
Bert and I miss your presence in Overlook.
You always had that sheepish grin that said you had been up to something or about to creat some crazy idea.
You lifted us all up!
Alberta and Don Morrison

December 17, 2009

To my dear Father-

You have been gone for over a year and time has yet to ease the loss I feel. You had such a profound impact on my life and my family, there are no words to describe how much you are missed...it is a heartache like no other.

Nikki and Jake have the very best of you...intelligence, humour, character, pursuit of excellence and of course your good looks. I am grateful that they had you and you left such sweet memories for them to cherish.

You are always in my thoughts and my heart. Your dear wife Joan said it best...you were like a warm blanket to us all.

Kate Ellis

December 17, 2009

Grandpa,

I love you so much and I miss you like crazy! Whenever I think of you, I remember the day you taught me how to play poker. I feel like it was just yesterday! I was Las Vegas Rose and you were Nevada Bob. I know everyone misses you so much, but we have to just look back on all the good times and joy you brought us. You were the best Grandpa anyone could ask for and more. I am so lucky to have had you in my life. I love you so much Pa!

Nikki Ellis (your Las Vegas Rose)

December 17, 2009

Pa

You were the best Grandpa anyone could ask for. I miss all of the great times we had together. I love you and miss you.

James (Jake) Ellis

Santa's little helper ("Helper" by eating Santa's cookies!)

Chris Bumford

December 16, 2009

Pa,

It's hard to think you have been gone for over a year now. I find that during the Holiday's, I allow more time to reflect back on the people that have touched my life in so many ways. Within the past two years I have experienced the loss of a Godfather, Grandfather, and a Grandmother (Nana). While each loss was tragic, it has opened my eyes to appreciate everything I have and to realize that I must live, laugh, and love everyday to the fullest.

While you are gone, you will not be forgotten. I can actually tell you still influence certain aspects of my life. Not to long ago, I reluctantly introduced little Lyla to M&M's (a personal favorite of yours!) You would be delighted to know that within seconds of the chocolate coated candies hitting her mouth, she replied with a 'YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!' (while smiling ear to ear!)

What have I created??? I guess jelly belly's will be next?!?!

Merry Christmas, Pa....

Love,

The AZ Bumfords (Chris, Anna, and Lyla)

December 9, 2009

We knew you as Father, Fa, Pa, Papa Jim, Padre, James, Jimmy, Jim, Big Jim, Dad, Uncle Jim, Harry, Boss, Nevada Bob, King Farouk, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.

As Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin and Friend...from all you touched and left behind we were lucky to have you and keep your spirit in our hearts.

Diann Clauson

December 8, 2009

For My Father

I did not write in this journal,because then it would be real that my father really died.I still hear his voice and see his face in my dreams, and always wake up knowing he is gone.Words cannot describe the influence he has had in my life.Not only as a father, but a mentor.It was his integrity,his honor and work ethic to name a few, that inspired me the many times i wanted to quit."Dont ever give up,you can do it." The first time he spoke those words was when I wanted to drop out of college my sophmore year.As you all know, the rest is history!
I loved to talk to my father,he had an incredible brain and a crazy sense of humor,which I know I inherited.He turned me on to books at an early age which has been passed down to his grandchidren. He made me laugh,he made me think and he always made me look outside the box.He was always there in my most darkest moments, and my greatest triumphs.He was wonderful to my children and truely encourged them to always reach higher.

I know I got the best part of him, and the bad hips! After reading this journal, alot of people benefited from having my father in their lives,of that I am glad.
"At the end of your life success is measured by the people in your life who you love, love you back"-Warren Buffett.
I would say my father is a very successful man. I will miss him-but i am glad I had him for so long.
Love Always
Di

December 7, 2009

Dearest Fa we remembered you so dearly on your one anniversary and we were reminded of your mother's presence as her wrath and hurricane winds and rain plumented us in the memorial garden. How ironic that Hurricane Ida was present for that exact day of your return to Mother Earth. I know you are at peace and at home with Ida May but it still doesn't change the deepest void we all share but do feel your spirit amongst us and watching over our day to day struggles. You woud love the Memorial garden because it is "SO YOU" and we shall all have the opportunity to sit and meditate whenever we come to see you and visit and pray but most of all to experience all the seasons with you. You are dearly missed and thought of day in and day out but signs of YOU are everywhere and we treasure those moments. So, FA..you and Ida May continue with the mission and watch over us ALL.
Love you and HI Grandma
Luv ya
Deba

David Nangle

December 5, 2009

Thoughts from The Nangle Family

It is unfortunate that Jim Clauson has left us. Losing your brother is not something that his sister, Carol Nangle had expected. When the families had issues, Jim and Carol took comfort in knowing that the other would be there for them. Their relationship was always very strong right till the end. She misses him terribly.

Jim Clauson was the first of a long string of family to work for The Lincoln Electric Company. His first year on the job was 1955 when he and his young family lived in Cleveland, Ohio. He invited Carol’s husband, Dave Nangle to interview with the company that same year. He accepted and the two brothers in law went on to become very successful sales managers for a very famous company. They were very close to one another in both their business life as well as their personal life. Following in their footsteps at Lincoln Electric would be Dave’s brother, Robert Nangle, son, David Nangle and son in law, Chris Bailey. Jim Clauson left quite a legacy to Lincoln Electric.

The Nangle nephew and nieces remember Jim as the quick witted, fun loving uncle. He had a very special relationship with each of them. The cousins got along with one another as well and always enjoyed being together. When the Clauson and Nangle families got together, you could always expect quite a party. It was never clear who carried on the most, the parents or the children. With 11 cousins all combined, there were a lot of graduations and weddings to enjoy throughout the years. All honored Jim together following his funeral in November 2008 and took advantage of the opportunity to take more current pictures with one another.

Our family will miss Jim Clauson. We will pray for Joan, all of his children and grandchildren as I know they think of him often.

Carol Nangle
Dave Nangle
David Nangle
Laurie Bailey
Lisa Laiti
Susan Noe

Mallory Cusano

November 3, 2009

My dearest Pa

I can't believe its been a year. Words can't describe how much I miss you. you were such an important person in my life. i am so lucky to have had a grandfather like you. you were such an inspiration in my life. you always knew how to make me smile. there are so many things that remind me of you. when we were little i remember going to your house and you had every disney movie we could imagine and you always loved to watch them with me even though youve seen them a million times! you gave us crazy gifts like giant chocolate easter bunnies that were bigger than we were. you always surprised us with cool things like 100 gold coins or giving cody and chris those hats with money stapled to them! you were always happy and i loved walking into your house because you always gave the best hugs. we had special times together like when you would take me to that book store in needham and let me buy as many books as i wanted because you always encouraged me to read and be as smart as i could.there were many times we would sit on your sun porch and you would try to teach me how to play bridge, i loved those times because thats when i would get to spend time with you and talk with you. you surprised me and took me away to atlanta to visit scotty and nikki and jake when they were first born, and while we were there you went out in a tornado for me to buy me beanie babies just because i loved them so much! you were at every important event in my life like dance recitals and school plays. i wish so much you could of been there for my graduation, i wanted to make you proud and i hope you are! im finally a nurse! i miss and love you so much Pa, you were the greatest grandfather a girl could ask for.

May 11, 2009

Dear Dad-it is your birthday..I so wish you were here. I miss our talks-you always gave such good advice-I could sure use your wisdom and wit. I wish I could tell you how much you are missed-Lyla turns one, Mallory graduating, Cody at UNH, Jake took the SAT's, Nikki got her braces off..Jena jetsetting as usual:)Love you, miss you always in our thoughts.......

michael clauson

January 25, 2009

Good-Bye Dad...Proud to be your son,you were a good man and led a good life...

Anne Brownlow

December 8, 2008

Jim's bright, enthusiastic spirit was a joy to know. I have so many happy memories of our Christ Church days in Needham. My heart is with you, Joan, and with all the vibrant, caring members of Jim's and your shared family.

patty smith

December 5, 2008

I am going to miss him so. He would make me laugh so hard. His spirit still makes me laugh and smile.
Patty

Deborah Clauson

December 4, 2008

Thanksgiving was a bitter sweet event this year because I celebrated my grandaughter's first Thanksgiving but the first Holiday without my Dad!! On my flight home from Phoenix to Boston I could not help but reflect back on the events and moments that defined the man he was and the man he had become. One of the fondest and dearest roles close to his heart was that of a "Grandfather". He was blessed with this cherished role for the first time with the birth of my daughter, Jennifer Lynn Bumford on June 10, 1977!!
He entered this rite of passage with such pride and anticipation because "Life had come Full Circle."
Jennifer was the first grandchild creating quite a frenzy of activity and was quite the celebration in my hospital room with all the aunts, uncles and grandparents arriving with all their well wishes and bouquets of balloons!!

I was discharged relatively soon and her father and I stopped off at my parent's house, before heading home, to show off the newest member of our family all dressed in pink.

Much to my surprise my "Dad" had taken the time to go out and search for just the right song to describe this happy event and as I walked into the living room a tape entitled "Jennifer Juniper" was playing and he just stood there grinning from cheek to cheek. Music was such a vital part of his life because he expressed so many emotions through their verses when the words were so hard to find and thus the "Grandfather Journey" began. Many more grandchildren would fulfill his life and he adored and loved each and every one.

We miss you so much.. "FA", "PA" and "Papa JIM " but thoughts of you will always leave a smile on our hearts!!
Love you Forever,
Deborah

The Allegoods

December 4, 2008

Kate, Jeff, Jake and Nikki,
Even though we never had the pleasure of meeting your Dad, I can tell that he was a very special and loved man by all the fun and loving pictures and kind words. What a gift to have had him and his love! It seems as though he left a little piece of himself with everyone he knew and loved. God bless and hope you can find comfort in this difficult time.
The Allegoods
Les, Amy, Beau and Abby

ray hopkins

December 3, 2008

jim was one of the niecest gentlemen i have ever known. he was my bridge partner for many years and we did very well together. we both understood eachothers humor. his wife joan is a princess and i will miss my dear friend very much.

Barbara [Ide] Lewis Melick

December 2, 2008

FA - how lucky was I to have a friend in my friend's FAther? You were always there with your loving support, sense of humor and great laughter...your smile is embedded in my memory. I will always consider myself lucky to have known you and I know how dearly you will be missed. Love, "Ya Motha" a.k.a. Barbara Ann

Marie Butler

November 30, 2008

Dear Clausons, I may not have been an official Clauson but I always felt like one. I will miss his "grief "and the push to make me rethink being a Catholic. Mr. Clauson , as I always called him use to question my common sense, I never took it to seriously comming from a man who let Debbie and me rent a car at age 18 and drive all over New England by ourselves. I will always remember the lectures and the looks he would give me. Mostly I will remember the look of joy in his face when Debbie and I showed up in London to celebrate our 40th birthday. I may not have been a Clauson but Jim Clauson made me feel like one. Love Marie

Walton STEVENS

November 29, 2008

Dear Friend James , Nancy and I want Joan and your family to know that since you left us on the 14th of this month you have been in our thoughts and prayers. First we miss you and your smile. Dinner time has altered -there is no conference as to whether we should have soup or not .Our saddened companions now are those left of the Bermuda Eight plus Howard. Joan your wife and now widow has held up quite well and your and her family have been most supportive. Fellow I L Residents express their sadness at your passing as do Nancy and me . May the devine Trinity prove to be all you expected and Heaven to your eternal liking. May God cradle your soul and bless you in His place. Nancy Titus and Walt Stevens

Trina Ippolito

November 28, 2008

Dear Kate and Family

Your Dad was a wonderful man- We know how much you will miss him. This is such a difficult time, your memories and love for him will help you through .

Love
Trina, Joe and Girls

Pamela Field

November 27, 2008

When my mom met Jim, it was the beginning of a beautiful love story. Hand in hand they saw the world, they brought people together wherever they went and they lived life to the fullest. It's a story of true love and devotion.

Although I was an adult when I met Jim, he became a dad to me, a friend to my husband and the best grandfather to our children. He was such a smart man who had terrific insight. I admired the way he stood by his principles. He was really funny. He was the guy from Brooklyn who became a part of Red Sox Nation. He was his own man but with a caring and kind heart. He was all the things that make up a great man.

Over the last few weeks, I've spent many hours looking at pictures. I found a wonderful picture of my daughter dancing with Papa Jim when she was three years old. Music was very important to Jim. He listened to everything from Mozart to Carly Simon. On that day, I think they were listening to Frank Sinatra. I loved the joy on their faces and it reminded me of a story. Mom and Jim came to visit us in New Jersey when Carolyn was almost three years old. We went shopping at Walmart. Upon entering the store, we all went separate ways. After awhile, Carolyn and I went looking for Papa Jim. We found him standing in an aisle near the music department, dancing away. We started to laugh and he said, "When you feel the beat, you have to move". So, when you feel the beat, no matter where you are, dance, and think of this amazing man who we all loved.

Eileen Caryl

November 25, 2008

Dear Kate and all of the wonderful Clauson Family,
I first met your dad in the early 1970's when Kate was at St. Paul's. He was always friendly and took an interest in Kate's school buddies. Although I haven't seen him since Kate and Jeff's wedding, I remember him fondly as a nice guy who truly loved and enjoyed his family. I am sure it must be very difficult. My thoughts are with you all.

Lynn and Marc Rosenfeld

November 25, 2008

Dear Kate, Jeff, Nikki and Jake,

Just heard about your dear father, grandfather today and are so very sorry to hear about his sudden passing. From reading the guestbook, it sounds like he was a a wonderful man. We're keeping all of you close in prayer and please call on us for anything you need.

Mary Murphy Webb

November 25, 2008

When I told my father that Jim had passed, he said, "Big Jim? I loved Big Jim. He was one of the great ones." I think that says it all. But I'll add one more thing. I always admired the relationship Kate had with her father. Theirs was a genuine friendship -- inspired by mutual admiration and pure enjoyment of each other. My heart goes out to Kate and all of the Clausons for the loss of "Big Jim."

Jennifer Bumford

November 25, 2008

To my one and only Grandfather:

You were my biggest critic and my biggest fan.
You always made me listen to Barbara Streisand.

I remember our drives up to the cabin, just me and you.
I usually asked if we were there yet, when we were only on Route 2.

I remember our cold swims in the arctic Maine water.
And playing go fish, by the light of the fire.

I remember you singing Sinatra, at the top of your lungs.
It used to make me giggle because it was so fun.

I remember your speeches when I was just a little tike.
You said if I didn’t go to college, I’d be collecting tolls on the Mass Pike.

You were a stubborn man and stood your ground
I’m happy to report those traits were passed down.

I was quite the handful as you used to say
But you knew I would come out of it, one of these days.

I’ll remember our times together, just me and you
And keep them with me, for the years through and through

For now grandfather, I wish you the best
I will celebrate your life along with the rest.

Love,
Jena

Andy Dorsey, Coordinator

November 24, 2008

On behalf of the members of the Needham Senior Golf League, please accept our condolences. We had the pleasure of playing golf with Jim and enjoyed his fine sense of humor.

Jeff Ellis

November 23, 2008

9 days and I'm still stunned.

If you're lucky, you only have one father-in-law in your life. If you're really lucky, he's a great guy and a great father-in-law. I have been really, really lucky. And I don't just see that now, when it's too late, I've known it since day one.

Day one for me was after dating Kate for a few months in Amherst we went back east for the holidays. We had plans that on Saturday I would pick Kate at Noon. I arrived at a massive brick house in Wellesley, cream colored Mercedes in the driveway, of course, and at this point in my life I'm a retired landscaper, a part-time bartender and full time salesman. And in love with his daughter. Great, just great.

But none of my fears came true, I loved him from minute one. I knew he loved me too because the very first thing he did when I walked in the door was look at the clock. It was12:00 Noon, to the minute. He said "I like you already".

When I asked him for permission to marry his daughter, he ordered me to my knees to ask properly. I refused. He laughed... and that was the beginning of a 25 year relationship of mutual respect.

He called me King Farouk. That was our thing. He started that when we bought our first house in Georgia in '85, it was a pretty good size house but not a mansion, not king-like in any way. He was just as always trying to get my goat. What's I always thought was funny was that he was the original King Farouk. What I think is funny now is that I never bothered to check out if there was a real King Farouk and look for a hidden meaning. And there probably is..........and I don't know it yet and Fa's still laughing at me now.

Then we bought the Newburyport "half" house and I became King Half Farouk. Very funny Fa.

I just can't believe he's gone. He was always a cornerstone to me, to Kate, and to Jake and Nikki. He was a great father and a great grandfather. And the best father-in-law a guy could ever ask for. I loved him and miss him terribly.

Jeff Ellis
Cumming, GA
Son-in Law to Jim

Don Morrison

November 23, 2008

Dear Joan,
We will miss Jim particularly the twinkle in his eyes when he had done something devilish or was about to pull off a joke. I wish we had known him earlier before he joined our retirement community. We would all have had a wonderful fun-filled time. But...we did get to know him for all of that...which gave us wonderful memories.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Love,
Alberta & Don Morrison

Renee Rainwater

November 23, 2008

Dear Kate,

I am so sorry for your family's loss. You all have been, and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

I know that you adored your dad and that he also adored you. You were a lucky girl indeed! Although I only met him once, he made me feel as if we were old friends. This site shows just what an amazing man that he was, it is incredible! I know that he will be missed by all that knew him.

With love to you all,

Chris, Renee, Cannon, Emory & Ella

Win and Jackie Bigelow

November 23, 2008

Dear Joan, Win and I would just like to let you know how fond we were of Jim. It was such a pleasure to have him as one of our new friends here at The Overlook. We loved his wit and his kind loving words for all of us here. We so loved his famous cookouts at your house. Of couse what wonderful memories our gang and the cruise to Bermuda in June have.. We couldn't have made a better choice of people to help celebrate our anniversary. Joanie, just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. We are here for you. Our love and sympathy, Jackie and Win

Vivian Heard

November 23, 2008

Dear Kate ~

I can't begin to tell you how sorry we were to hear about the loss of your dear father. Please know that you, your father and your entire family will be in our prayers and our hearts indefinitely. I had the pleasure of briefly meeting your dad at one of the girls' soccer games, and he seemed to be a good and kind soul. I know he will be terribly missed.

With much sympathy and love,

Chris, Vivian, Ansley and Mitchell

george chagaris

November 22, 2008

Kate - I am so sorry for your loss. You will not remember me - I was a co-op student working at Wellesley Junior High and had the pleasure of knowing you way back then - you were such a sweetheart. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

George Chagaris

Kate Ellis

November 21, 2008

In a lot of ways I am unlucky tonight. Tomorrrow marks a full week without my Dad on this earth. I have never felt such sadness ...so deep... to my core...but somewhere there in my grief and pain and tears..I feel lucky.

Upon the urging of my sister Di, I went up to see my Dad in October. If you know me at all, you know that you have to be pretty special for me to get on a plane-for I have a terrible fear of flying. Needless to say, Fa was on the top of that list so with the help of a little happy pill...I made the trip. That is why I feel lucky.

My Dad took me to lunch in Sturbridge Village-just the two of us. When the waitress took our order he ordered Onion Soup without the onions just because he enjoyed being a wise guy.

Before our meal was served, my Dad took off his glasses, put his hand on mine looked me straight in the eye and said "I want you to know I really love you,"..I looked into those big blue eyes of his and said "I love you too". Yes...I am definately lucky.

After that, he refused to get fries because he was always watching his weight but proceeded to pilfer every fry off my plate. Everytime I have ever had lunch with Fa he pilfers my fries or chips. He didn't want to have dessert because he was too full... but his fork kept invading my dessert. And now I feel lucky.

The world is a lot less bright to me without the light of his spirit and humor and affection... I am missing a piece of me...but I feel so lucky that he left this world knowing how I felt about him and I feel lucky that he told me.

Kate Ellis

Lin Bumford

November 21, 2008

Dear All of Pa's and Fa's Family...this is a wonderful tribute you've done for him...you've got to believe he'd be very honored by what you've done, while at the same time saying "You don't need to do all that....just put my obit in the damn paper"

Sincere condolences to all,

Lin Bumford

Chris Bumford

November 21, 2008

Hello All,



After thinking about the time that Pa and I spent together, I wanted to share a quick story with everyone.



I was a young boy (no idea on the actual age), but my Mom and I stopped by Pa’s house in Wellesley. At the time, I had my first loose tooth and I just could not muscle up the courage to actually “pull” it out. Anyway, the three of us were sitting in the dining room and Pa was asking me how I was doing in school. As I was beginning to answer him, I realized that I had my finger in my mouth because I was playing with my loose tooth.



“What are you doing?” Pa asked.



“Nothing” I replied (only answer I could come back with at the time!)



“Come over here” He requested.



I slowly approached Pa thinking that I was in trouble for talking to him with my finger in my mouth. He asked me why I had my finger in my mouth and I explained to him that I had a loose tooth, but it certainly was not ready to come out yet. He then asked for me to open my mouth so he could take a look. I thought about making a run for it, but I knew I was within arms reach of him. As he slowly moved his index finger towards my mouth, he tilted his head back slightly in order to peer through the bottom part of his glasses. Once his finger had touched my loose tooth, he confirmed that the tooth was almost ready to come out. Before I could even relax from the instant relief, he yanked his finger towards him jarring the tooth out of my mouth and onto the dinning room carpet! To this day, I wish I could see the look on my face! I was in total shock! I wanted to cry, but there was no pain. I wanted to slug Pa for taking out my tooth prematurely, but lets all be honest….that was NOT an option! I could tell Pa knew I was in shock and made everything better by asking one question….



“Want an Oreo?”



In my mind, Pa could be a very stern and intimidating man. However, he proved to me more often than not, that he had a gentle heart and the soft touch of an angel.



My heart goes out to everyone affected by Pa’s passing. He is in a better place now and he will be looking over each and every one of us.



I’m truly looking forward to the day when my daughter has her first loose tooth!



Warmest regards,





Chris Bumford

Carl & Vi Swanson

November 21, 2008

We got to know Jim and his mischievous smile at the Overlook bridge table. His quick wit added spice to the lives of everyone that he touched and we will never forget him. Our hearts are with you Joan as we continue our travels together here at Overlook.

Most sincerely yours, Carl & Vi Swanson

Grandfather and I after lunch during my last trip home.

Jennifer Bumford

November 20, 2008

Rest in Peace Grandfather. I love you.

Phyllis Pownall

November 20, 2008

Hi Joan,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mom told me of Jim's passing last week. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories and the support of your friends at Overlook, help you through this very difficult time. God bless you and the entire Clauson family.

Maura McKenna Masters

November 20, 2008

Dear Kate, Jeff, Deb, Di, Kelly, Jim ... :
It's not easy saying goodbye to Fa. But, he had a great, long life filled with love, and will now rest peacefully. I hope that with time warm memories of him will help heal your loss. May his spirit bring smiles to your faces as you remember the good times you had together.

Lynn Wahlquist

November 20, 2008

Kate –

Hi, I was sorry to hear about your Dad. I never got to know him until after I graduated from college and was working part-time at the Babson Health Club (can’t remember the exact name of the place). I was a manager on duty in the evenings and your Dad would come in to work out. He would sit in my office and we would talk about stuff. He was so funny and just the nicest person. In some ways I think he was trying to get to know me to make sure you were not living (we were all renting a place in Waltham) with an idiot. He really cared about you and was looking out for you.

You and your family are in my thoughts.

Lynn

Lynn Wahlquist

November 19, 2008

Hi -

I am sorry for your loss. I am a friend of Kate. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Best Regards,
Lynn Wahlquist

Pat Lockhart

November 19, 2008

Joan, my loving prayers are being sent to you and your family at this time.

Mary Gustafson

November 19, 2008

Dear Joan,
Please know of our prayers for you at this most difficult time. If there is any way we can assist you, please don't hesitate to call us.
Love, Pastor Mary and Ray Gustafson

Mitch and Fran Kurker

November 19, 2008

Joan, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this painful time. Take care of yourself.
With affection,
Mitch and Fran

Marcia White

November 19, 2008

Joan, my heart and mind are filled with loving thoughts and memories.
Marcia White

Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results

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