In Memoriam: James M. Clapis

From Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home.

James M. Clapis, 78, of Rocky Hill, passed away November 6, 2015 at Hartford Hospital.

He was born in Hartford, son of the late Michael and Katherine (Belmonte) Clapis and had lived there for 31 years before moving to Rocky Hill in 1968.

Jim had a gentle and generous heart and he loved life by living it to the fullest. Family was always very important to Jim and he was dearly loved by them. He worked at Kaiser Permanente Health Care, and Stanadyne Corperation. Jim was a communicant of St. James Church.

He is survived by many cousins with whom he shared memorable times at family and holiday celebrations. His presence at these gatherings will be deeply missed.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his loving sister, Angela and his aunt Cecelia Carone.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Newington Ski Club where he served as President from 1982-83, Treasurer from 1969-70, Board of Directors and worked on the Cheer Committee for several years. Jim won the Louks award in 1984, for the most outstanding member. As an active member of the ski club, he participated in tennis, skiing, golf, and hiking. Jim enjoyed all of these activities with dear friends who he considered part of his extended family. One of these dear friends was James Clevenger who often helped Jim and always showed care and concern for his welfare.

Jim spent his summers working in his garden and happily shared the fruits of his efforts with everyone. Jim was an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching sports on T.V.; golf, basketball, and baseball were his favorites.

On behalf of Jim, his family would like to thank the staff at Hughes Health and Rehabilitation, southeast unit, for their gentle and skilled care. A heartfelt thank you to the caring staff at Hartford Hospital-B10, Stepdown Unit, along with the Palliative Care and Hospice Team who showed compassion and support during Jim’s short stay with them. Another thank you to Tina from Companions and Homemakers who cared for Jim in his home for several years.

The funeral will be Tuesday, November 10, 10:15 a.m. from the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke. Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 a.m. in St. James Church, 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park. Visiting hours will be Monday, November 9, from 5-8 p.m. at Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home.

Memorial donations will gratefully be accepted by organizations supported by the Newington Ski Club, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Skiers Unlimited, 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106 or The March of Dimes, 500 Winding Brook Drive, Suite 8 , Glastonbury, CT, 06033.

To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com