James "Jim" Claggett

1939 - 2025

James "Jim" Claggett
Born: April 1, 1939 in Ottawa, IL
Died: April 10, 2025 in Seneca, IL
James "Jim" Edward Claggett, 85, of Seneca, passed away peacefully at home on April 10, 2025 with his family at his side.
Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Seneca with Fr. Ghislain Inaï officiating. A time for greeting will be held in the church at 9:30 AM until the time of services.
Jim was born in Ottawa on April 21, 1939 to Edward Claggett and Rita (Farrell) Claggett Brookman. He married Joan Garrison on November 17, 1962 at St. Patrick's Church.
The two proved to lead by example in their words and in their philanthropic lives. Jim served in the Army during the Korean War era until he would return home, graduate from Upper Iowa University, and make strides in his business ventures, eventually retiring with Kuraray America Inc. His position as the Vice President of Sales in North and South America made him a well-seasoned traveler, having visited 48 states and 22 countries at the time of his retirement.
Jim was a long-term member of the Seneca Grade School Board of Education and the Knights of Columbus, a devout member and faithful servant of the St. Patrick's Church, and a generous philanthropist to countless worthy organizations, both nationally and within his own community. If that weren't enough, he always found the time to be the most dependable friend of the family dogs, the dedicated caretaker of his yard and property, and an unwavering fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Seneca Irish-not to mention the proudest grandpa you could meet.
Jim is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Jim, David (Keri) and Anne (Brian) Price; his grandchildren, Jerry (Tylisha), Dani, Taylor, Adam, Haydon, Brian Jr.; his great-grandchildren, Sierra and Christian; and his sister, Diane (Keith) Johnson.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, John Brookman; and his grandson, John Claggett.
A special thank you is extended to Jackie and her team at Lightways Hospice for their exceptional care.
Following Jim's legacy, memorials may be directed to Seneca Food Pantry, Spay It Forward, Livingston County Humane Society, or to his cherished St. Patrick's Church.
The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com
Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home
135 E. Lincoln Street
Seneca, Illinois 61360
815-357-6172
www.ottawafuneralhome.com