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Jim Cleere Obituary
That October night in 1977, Jean Rieger, a divorced mother with a 10-year-old daughter, got down on her knees and prayed to God to send her "a good man" to marry.
When she got up, the phone rang. On the other end was Jim Cleere, a divorced father of two sons, ages 12 and 10.
They married one year later.
Mr. Cleere, vice president of Seabury & Smith, a division of Marsh & McLennan, was in New York Sept. 11 for a meeting at the insurance brokerage firm on the 96th floor of 1 World Trade Center. Mr. Cleere, 55, was across the street at the Marriott Hotel when the first plane struck the north tower. He called his wife at their home in Newton, Iowa. They were on the phone when the second plane struck the south tower.
"He said he was O.K. and would be coming home," said Jean Cleere. "That was our last conversation."
Mrs. Cleere says her husband was a man of faith. "He had a deep, rich baritone and sang all the time," she said, mostly the old- time hymns.
She loved that voice of his. That's why she hasn't changed her answering machine tape. It has Mr. Cleere's voice on it.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
MIke Walk
September 10, 2021
Jean and family,
Jim was a great colleague, friend, and mentor. He was truly a man of faith. I recall being on the phone with other colleagues on that fateful day, Jim headed from the Marriott to the towers to help save unknown people. Its how he was. Suddenly the phone went dead, days later we learned that he has given his life to selflessly save complete strangers.
Over the last 20yrs there has been nary a day he has not been in my thoughts, a man of true faith who would do anything for someone in need. A real Christian man who mentored those around him to do the right thing.
His loss is something I will never forget and a tragedy to us all. Your loss as a wife and children is far greater. I can only take solace in the fact he is and had been in gods loving arms since that day, watching over us all.
God bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Mike Walk
Cindy Roe
September 4, 2021
Remembering Jim on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Del Newberry
January 11, 2021
Praying today for Jim's family. We will never forget that day when you lost him. May God grant you a special blessing today as we pause to pray for strength and encouragement.
Kindred Family
September 26, 2018
Sending our continued heartfelt condolences to your family for your loss of Jim. May God continue to give the needed strength and comfort with each new day. He touched the lives of others and will always be lovingly remembered. May the time soon come when the violence that robs families of each other will finally be a thing of the past.
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Pamela Cleere
October 21, 2016
My name is Pamela Jean Cleere and I ran across this information.
I never knew until today that a Cleere was lost in this tragedy. My father is George Marvin Cleere, Grand Parent George Lester Cleere, Great Grand Parents Absolute Cleere and
George Robert "Bob" Cleere, Great Great Grand Parents, Charles Chiles Cleere, and Great Great Great Grand Parent Thomas E. Cleere born June 27, 1777 in Virginia. This is the line I am in.
Please accept my deepest compassion for your loss.
Pamela Jean Cleere
November 29, 2015
So sorry for your lost. It is very difficult to lose a love one. There are Satisfying answers to life big questions. please read Proverbs 119:105
debbie
September 11, 2014
hi mr cleere I have come to know your son scott since 9/11 we both lost someone important to us .. I think about you often and of course scott I don't need today to remember you I hope you rip my deepest condolences
Lisa Hickcox
September 10, 2014
What a great man. I hope you are singing in Heaven! I will never forget you telling me that you were going to New York and warning me to take a friend if I ever go because it's not too safe. All the talking I did about Mike Piazza who would have thought that he would be attending a Memorial to you and all the other victim's of 911 at Shay Stadium! what an emotional Ceremony with American Flags, Fighter Jets, Bag Pipes and a lot of Heart Broken people who will never forget what happened that day. Rest in Peace my friend and God Bless your family.
Elaine Brassard
September 12, 2011
To the Cleere Family,
I am a native of Newton and now live in Davenport. But at the time of 2001 I was still in Newton a young women. My brother had the pleasure of actually knowing Jim from a play where Jim was the baseball annocer. I had the pleasure of meeting Jean one evening in the lobby of the newton theather. She and I shared a bench and a converstation in which she told me her husband had passed away and when I asked how she replied "she wasn't sure excatly but he had been in New York on that day 10 years ago. He called and said he was fine and would be home soon after the first plane hit." I remember that the first time I was completly and totally affected by what was going on in the world. Yes I watched from my workplace as the twin towers came down that day and thanked god I didnt know anyone in New York and prayed the familes who just lost loved ones but I never thought I'd ever personally know someone who'd died. But here I was a 20 year girl and completly shocked that I had just met a 911 widow in my hometown and more than that my little brother knew them. I had no words ten years ago for you Jean and I still have no words now but in the 10 years since I've gotten married and had kids of own and cannot fathom what you've been living through since. I think you have wonderful courage and strength and I wanted you to know that I think of you often and of how your life is now. I hope you have found some peace in your life and in Jim's death. I know God watches over you everyday and know that I pray for you often.
Elaine Blackwood Brassard
September 11, 2010
THINKIN OF YOU......
Patrice A. Unekis
September 11, 2009
Jean, Rhonda and family: I want you to know that you are all in my prayers on the 8th anniversary of the WTC attacks. I will always remember Jim as a warm, loving man. I was in a Bible Study in Newton with Jim and Jean over a several month period. Jean, you and Jim were both genuinely caring, open people, and my life was blessed by knowing you. Rhonda, you were always kind, patient, and uplifting whenever my three children and I came in for haircuts. We still have the clock from "Beauty and the Beast" that you gave to Mark! May you be filled with God's love and peace at this time. God Bless You!
Robin Marsden
September 11, 2009
Jean and Family: We have never met, but I am a former co-worker of Jim's and I think of him often...especially on 9/11. Jim was a delightful man and I am so thankful that he was a man of faith. Even though I still cry when I think about all those needlessly lost lives, especially Jim's, I am comforted to know that Jim knew his creator personally and is now with his God. Bless you and your family and know that I say a prayer for you and your family every 9/11. God Bless.
September 11, 2009
sitting at work today and i got a chill that went up my back and a song was on and reminded me of him singing or humming at the office Jim we miss you
Beverly Park Sullivan
September 11, 2009
Jim was a good friend of mine but I always knew him as Corky. We lived next door to each other in Hattiesburg. I just wanted you and your family, and his sisters, to know I am thinking about all of you today. I think of him often.
Beverly
debbie
September 7, 2009
hi jim.. i met your son scott after 9/11.. scott if you read this , i hope you will get in touch,, but either way i wanted you to know i think about those first few years and our connection.. take care i know this week and every day are very painful, for you and yours, and wanted you to know your dad is in my thoughts.
Roy Phillips
March 7, 2009
Jim along with another man with the last name Zion seem to be the only two people I can find with Iowa connections but i am sure there are more. Us Iowans have a unique kinship that is hard to explain and is unspoken. When we loose one of us we all suffer, we all are connected especially to the land, and we are brothers and sisters. The world is worse off for losing all the 9/11 victims but better off having known them. I am a disabled Iowa Veteran who wishes all who see this be at peace and never let any of the victims be forgotten. God bless you and your family Mr Cleere. And god bless those that read this.
Tom Weiman
February 13, 2009
Jean, I knew Jim from the Iowa Telecom Users Group where we met monthly to discuss business and the industry. Jim hired me and my consulting group to provide telecom consulting services for KVI. He was a great guy to be around and an absolute pleasure. I am not sure if you remember, but you, Jim, my wife Deb and I had Breakfast at Brennens in New Orleans at an ICA conference one morning many years ago. It was a beautiful morning in New Orleans that day (albit Hot) and we had a great time. I had an occasion recently to be in New Orleans and as I walked down the street, those wonderful memories came back - it made my day. Every year when they read the 911 names on TV or the radio, where ever I am, I pause and listen to hear his name and think about those wonderful times.
Doug Abraham
January 30, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Jean Cleere
November 1, 2008
To everyone who has or will write: I thank every one of you for your wonderful loving words. My Jim WAS a very special man. I loved him dearly and miss him every day. After 7 years, we still miss him. It helps so much to know that he is not forgotten. My license plate is "NVR4GT". I am asked often what it says which gives me an opportunity to tell my story. I have given my testimony all over Iowa and it helps to be reminded of what God has done to give me peace. My sincere thanks so you all for not forgetting. God Bless America!
jackie
September 12, 2008
I worked for J&H/KVI for 8 years. We so loved the 'Jim' messages, they were hilarious. Also, he always had a role in our anniversary celebrations each year. The best one had to be when he was dressed up as an old woman. He was the best!!!!
debbie
September 9, 2008
scott if you read this i was poking in to tell you i havent forgotten your dad.. i know and you know what this day means to those of us who lost a loved one that fateful day 7 years ago.. you and yours are in my thoughts.. love always.. sis... debbie
alex gordon
December 1, 2007
i wish you could have stayed here longer. i wish i could have known you better. i will see you later uncle Jim. maybe we can sing 'holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty' together? i hope i don't forget that this life is but a vapor and that everything is meaningless but to fear the Lord... anyway, until we meet again.
Aaron
September 11, 2007
i am writing to you because i am from iowa and was looking at the memorials and saw that jim was the only person from iowa so i am sending my gratitude.
Kristine
October 30, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
John B Donovan
September 20, 2006
Jean,
After 5 years, I am still so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers whenever I am called to remember that day and event.
Love,
JBD
P Tabbernor
September 10, 2006
In remembrance....
Erika Stajcar
September 9, 2006
I worked at Seabury/Marsh from 1999 until 2003. I remember Mr. Cleere most from a huge presentation he hosted in which all employees attended. He had some wonderful jokes and I could just tell he was a great man. Now that the 5th anniversary of attacks is upon us, I just want to let his family know that even though I didn't know him well, I always think of him on every September 11th. We listened to one of his music CDs at work not too long after the attacks and he had the voice of an angel. May God bless your family.
Debbie Woods-Smith
August 20, 2006
Humor is mankind's greatest blessing. Mark Twain.
To the Cleere family, we still miss Jim at Marsh. I hear his voice daily on the IVR. I'm a member of The Jim Cleere Toastmasters. I'm thankful he blessed us with humor & laughter for tough times.
debbie
September 12, 2005
hi scott, I wanted you to know I am thinking about you and yours, and about our connection to 9/11 I think about your dad, as I think about my cousin, and I know yesterday was a difficult time for you.. just wanted to say hi. you know how to get in touch bye love your adopted sister
Susan Hussar
August 7, 2005
I was in New York this past week and went down to the World Trade Center site. I have been there often and always say a prayer of thanks for knowing Jim Cleere. Jim was a co-worker and a very fine person. I am an Iowan who loves working with Iowans...even though I am "out East."
I miss Jim, but am grateful that he recorded many telephone answering greetings so that every day Jim lives on at KVI/Seabury/Marsh.
John Heusinkveld
September 7, 2004
I had the good fortune to spend a fair amount of family time with Jim, and can attest that he was a very special person- full of humor and joy, and strong values. I think of him very often. But I also wish to convey to everyone what a fine person his wife Jean is, and how she has touched so very many people since 9/11 with her courage and strength in spite of a loss that will never be forgotten. Her testimony of faith and personal example has changed many, many lives. It was obvious to anyone that Jim loved her very much, and she him. I extend my condolences to all of Jims family whom I did not know, to Rhonda his loving stepdaughter, and to my dear cousin, Jean.
May God grant you all Peace and Joy
John
Rosemary McGuire
September 12, 2003
I saw Jean read her husband's tribute at the WTC site yesterday. It was so moving and it touched my heart so much that I don't think I will ever forget it. May God bless you and your family, and I hope you find some comfort knowing that many Americans are praying for you and your families hearts to heal.
Doug and Nancy Young
August 29, 2003
To Scott and the family of Jim..Go to NYC and feel the inner peace God will grant you on Sept. 11th, 2003. May God Bless You All.
Shannon Winks
August 16, 2003
I never met Jim, but a customer of mine at All American Flag and Pennant,Inc., was his son Scott and he told me about his father. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends.
All my love and prayers,
Shannon Winks
Angie Burkemper
March 7, 2003
Jim was a customer of mine when he worked for KVI. He was a very kind man, a pleasure to do business with. I didn't find out until a year later that he perished in the 9/11 disaster. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Bianchi
March 5, 2003
Promised his son in a chat room I would sign. God bless.
Christy Olson
January 29, 2003
I was saddened to him of Mr. Cleere's death. I know one of his sons very well met him in a chatroom right after 9-11. Such a sad thing when an life is taken from us.
Joan Hughes
September 22, 2002
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr.Cleere, but I do have the pleasure of working with his daughter-in-law, Jana. I think it is great that Jana & Jeff are naming their baby after Mr.Cleere!! Baby Cleere will always have a guardian angel looking out for her, Jim Cleere.
JK
September 17, 2002
I just met one of Jim's sons in a chat room. He was so kind... I was so saddened to hear that his father died on 9/11/2001, at the hands of the terrorists. It still breaks my heart, when I think of this day. Even a year after it happened. I pray for world peace everyday. I pray for peace in the hearts of all who lost loved ones. Your families will never be forgotten...God Bless the USA...JK (Texas)
patricia hipps
September 15, 2002
At times it seems to be much more than we can bare. But God knows all about the load and he is willing to share. Never give up and don't you turn around Jim's mission has been completed and your time is now. May God richely bless the Cleere Family.
Love Evangelist Patricia Hipps(Goody's Employee, H'burg Ms). We will not forget, we shall not forget, we can not forget!
Heather Jones
September 12, 2002
I never had the pleasure of knowing Jim Cleere, but i have had the pleasure of knowing his son Jeff. It is said that you can tell a great man through his children, well I think that Mr. Jim was a great man because his son is an awesome guy. Jeff (dad) i am thinking of you and hope you are doing ok. Hope to see you soon.
Love you both.
Samantha Clements
September 12, 2002
MY prayers go out to Scott and Jeff on the loss of your father Jim. I will keep praying for your family.
Lisa Ryan
September 11, 2002
At this one year anniversary we take time to remember all those we have lost. We pray for the all those individuals this tragidy has touched. Our spirit unites us. Our hope makes us strong. We will never forget our heros.
Frank Citterbart
September 7, 2002
My Condolence To Mrs. and to her Family.
I am an Ex New Yorker and have been to the twin towers I was greatly hurt what happened that day, for all the loved ones now gone. God Bless You
Vicki Gatter
September 3, 2002
I had worked at the same office as Jim in West Des Moines. He was always so pleasant, such a decent individual. And we all enjoyed his voice and vocal character sketches in the form of company announcements. Please be assured that many caring thoughts and prayers are with you - God Bless.
lisa alva
September 1, 2002
my condolences to you and your family. my heart and prayers go out to you and the other families that have been going through this past year
Charlene Crutchfield
August 31, 2002
So many people died in that disaster
and we should all remember them. I have the pleasure of knowing Jims son and even though we just met, they say sons take after their fathers. If this is true, then Jim must have been one heck of a man. His son is a fine man and a dear person that i am honored to call a friend. Wish i could have known Jim
also. He will not be forgotten. So many people remember and love. Dont let these peoples death be for nothing. Show your love daily to all you hold dear. I know i do.
Lisa Homesick
August 24, 2002
I feel for you, and although your loss is so tragic...I can understand one thing...the sound of your Dad's voice. I lost my Dad to cancer six years ago and my Mom kept the answering machine with his voice on it. I totally understand. We'll never forget.
Shirley
August 12, 2002
Sorry about your dad. 9/11 will forever stay in my mind and I feel for all of the families who lost loved ones in such a horrible, senseless murder.
Robert Reyes
July 17, 2002
The time will come when Jim and his family will be together again. God Bless you.
Meagan Gordon
July 16, 2002
Jim Cleere was my uncle,I'd see him once a year at Thanksgiving. The men would always be found in the livingroom with talks of politics, music,work,and thier families. The ladies in the kitchen slaving over the stove with the same converstions. It was always so funny to me just walking from room to room. It gave me this feeling inside that's undecribable, it's almost like that feeling when you first find out what love really is or what it really means. Uncle Jim had the best laugh you could hear it all over the house. He will be missed this November as well as many to come.
debbie
June 4, 2002
Hey Scott just writing a note and wanting you to know I think of your dad and you daily, I know you must miss him like crazy, and I wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and millions of others think about you and others each and everyday. Love your new adopted sister.
Letty Giraud
May 30, 2002
Didn't know you, but work with your son, Scott. My sympathies go out to all.
Donna Johnson
May 26, 2002
I jUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE WHO DIED IN THE TOWERS AND ON THE AIRPLAINS ARE STILL IN MY THOUGHTS.I FOR ONE WILL NEVER FORGET THEM. I WAS BORN IN IOWA BUT NOW MY HOME IN IN COLORADO
debbie
April 8, 2002
Hi Scott, I just read what you wrote at Donnies site, thanks for the kind words, and wanted to write and say that you and your dad are in my thoughts daily, and I know we will connect again by phone, but I wanted you to know I know how difficult this is for you and your entire family. Just know we are thinking of you, have no clue about September, I want to be a million miles away. I think you know what I mean... Talk soon. Love me.
Angela Swope
March 13, 2002
Although I don't know you my heart goes out to you and the children.
Angela
Sheri Shimon
March 11, 2002
Jean, our hearts have gone out to you, Rhonda, and your families since 9/11/01. While I never met Jim, I seem to remember handing some candy to you at last year's July 4 parade, and I believe he was at your side. Newton has lost a wonderful citizen and friend. Jean, your faith has been an inspiration to all of us, and I hope we will see you this spring during one of our many bike rides. The boys don't quite look at the neighborhood watch signs like they used to, but they've mentioned they would like to say "hi" to you. God Bless You, Jean - Take Care. Sheri
William Bennum
March 11, 2002
I had worked with Jim off and on over the past 7 years through Midwest Office Technology. He was always enthusiastic and upbeat even though he was in a stressful environment... in IT and Telecommunications you never get enough done no matter how much you do in a day. He always took the time to chat a little getting to know you as an individual. He was a low pressure guy in a high pressure job which was a nice change of the norm.
Best regards to all the Cleere family.
Linda Rodriguez
March 9, 2002
I received my mercy band in the mail yesterday. It is for Jim Cleere, he sounds like he was a wonderful person. I will wear his name daily and I pray for his family. I will be thinking about you always. I have told others of him and encouraged them to show their support and concern by getting a mercy band for themselves. I'm proud to be wearing the name of 'Jim Cleere'.
scott cleere
February 10, 2002
For those that Have read and signed this Guest book I Thank you So much
for your thaughts and prayers.
I does help me in such a way specialy when I have those really bad days like today for example.
Please keep em comming and if you wish Please send me tons of email support God know I need it!!
Thanks Again Scott Jim's Oldest.
[email protected]
Judy Greer
January 25, 2002
I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Cleere, but I recently ordered a Mercy Band and the one I was sent was for "Mr. Jim Cleere-WTC". I immediately looked for Mr. Cleere's biography on the Internet and discovered he was the same age my husband is - that gave me goose bumps, because the name for my bracelet was picked randomly and I believe there is a heavenly reason Mr. Cleere was chosen for mine. That could have been my husband that fateful day. I have an older brother named Jim and my younger brother's name is Scott (I believe Mr. Cleere has a son named Scott). When I found his picture - I broke into tears. He has a wonderful face and looks loving and jolly. I will take that face with me everywhere; I will wear my bracelet inscribed with his name everywhere and for as long as I live. I didn't know I could feel any worse than I already did for all those who perished on 9/11; but it seems so much more personal to me now to actually be carrying this gentleman's name and face in my heart forever as well as on my wrist. Everyone who sees my bracelet will know of Mr. Cleere; he will never be forgotten. I grieve with his family, friends and loved ones and all of my prayers go to them. God Bless You.
Elizabeth AuKee
January 15, 2002
I work at Seabury and Smith in West Des Moines, IA and did not have a direct working relationship with Jim. Our paths crossed only casually. I remember is deep voice when he greeted me. I am a member of the Wood carving club he founded in Newton, Iowa. We have lost a wonderful friend and community leader. His memory will live on forever.
Teresa Jahn
January 6, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your loss of Jim. May his deep faith, his life and love live on in those who love him. May the sorrow you feel today be lightened by warm memories of times shared with Jim. Our hearts cry with you in your loss of Jim.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Rebecca
December 30, 2001
Mrs. Cleary,
Deepest condolonces from a midwesterner (NE) now from PA. We were all saddened by the losses. Please know you are in my prayers.
December 25, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS YOU JIM CLEERE AND MAY
YOU REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS
ANGELS..MAY YOU BE SINGING WITH THE
ANGELS..GOD BLESS YOUR WIFE AND FAMILY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA AND
NEW YORK AND ALL ITS WONDERFUL
PEOPLE..MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
debbie
November 30, 2001
To Scott and his family, I hope you will accepte my deepest condolences on the loss of JIm. This event is so awful, and words cannot adequately express how sorry the world is for your loss. Scott, hand in there, and know that I and others are thinking of you. Please accept my condolences, debbie in Texas.....
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