James Lee "Jim" Claman

James "Jim" Lee Claman, age 91, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren.

Jim was born on April 3, 1934, in Gilmore City, Iowa, the fourth of five children of Hazel Taylor Claman and Joseph Benjamin Claman. The family moved to Des Moines in 1942, shortly after the start of World War II. Jim attended Lincoln High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954, where he was stationed in Japan and Korea during the post–Korean War period.

After returning home, Jim met the love of his life, Yvonne Blazevich, through the Campion Club - a Catholic singles group. Her beauty and laughter captured his heart, and together they built a life grounded in faith, love, and family. They raised six children, all of whom were educated in Catholic schools and nurtured in the same faith that guided Jim throughout his life.

Jim attended Drake University on the GI Bill, earning a degree in accounting. He worked as a Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service for 27 years, retiring in 1990 at the age of 56.

A man of deep faith and quiet strength, Jim found joy in life's simple pleasures - a round of golf with his brother and nephews, a competitive game of cards where "we're not family when the Clamans play," and the occasional trip to Prairie Meadows Casino. Above all, he treasured time spent with family, whether at lively game nights or laughter-filled gatherings with his children and grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Yvonne; his parents, Hazel and Joe; his brothers, Richard and Robert Claman; and his sister, Josephine Sims.

He is survived by his brother, Joseph Claman (Kitty); his children, Patrick Claman of Des Moines, Laura Beal (Joseph) of Omaha, Nebraska, Denise Bentz (William) of Menlo, Iowa, Andrew Claman (Maria) of Waukee, Iowa, Stephen Claman of Des Moines, and Linda Riewer (Richard) of Des Moines.

Jim is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Kristin (Josh DeCoster), John, Mariesa, and Carli Beal; Abigail Stevens (Josh), Leo and Billy Bentz; Kayla, Scott, Peyton, and Austin Riewer and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jim will be remembered for his natural gift of conversation, brilliant mind, kind heart, and steadfast love for his family and God. His life was marked by service, integrity, and quiet generosity - a legacy that will live on in all who knew and loved him.