James Clifford Clapham Obituary

Jim (James) Clapham passed away at home in Oshawa, on November 8, 2023, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Jim was born in Toronto on May 26, 1952, and spent his childhood in Vaughan Township attending George Bailey Public School and Thornhill High School. He is predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Delores Clapham.

As a youth, Jim spent his summers in Mactier with his grandparents fishing on the French River. Jim was a long distance truck driver for most of his life, and spent a couple years as a Loomis Armed Guard. In his later years he was a heavy haul tow truck driver and was found making appearances on Heavy Rescue 401.

Jim was 71 years young and acted like he was still in his 20's. Always out riding his Harley, loving his road runs with friends or on his own. He was a Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle and Grandpa.

In March of 2023, Jim was diagnosed with ALS. At the time of his diagnosis he was still working full time and eagerly awaiting for bike season to start. He loved to laugh, joke around, hunt, fish, race his race car and tinker in his garage, he was always doing something.

Jim put up a good fight against his disease, but sadly he no longer had the strength to continue. He is no longer in pain, but will be missed by so many including his partner Jacqueline Reid, his children Tanya (Chad) Cullaton, Jamie (Valerie) Clapham, his step-daughter Nicole (Mike) Rees, his seven awesome grandchildren, Brooke-Lynne, Blake, Breanne, Chiara, Cierra, Michelle, and Ethan, loving sister Deborah (Robert) Boyes (nee Clapham), along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers.

There will be no service or visitation, however, a celebration of Jim's life will be held in the near future. The family is requesting donations to be made in memorial of Jim to the ALS Society of Ontario.

Published online November 14, 2023 in the Oshawa This Week