James R. Clapp

Jim was born and raised in Northampton MA, the son of Elmer and Maxine Rhoades Clapp. He obtained his Bachelors' degree in Animal Husbandry from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he won national awards for livestock judging. He played baseball in high school and with his college fraternity and continued a lifelong interest in the sport. He was a trombone player and singer.

Jim was predeceased in February 2015 by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ida Bradley Clapp. He is survived by his son Charles of Hillsdale; daughters Diana McCarthy (Brian) of Delmar and Marjorie Linko (Adam) of Livingston Manor; brother Richard (Laurel) of Copake; and his many cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews and their families. He was especially proud of his grandson and namesake James Bradley Linko. He was predeceased by his siblings Faith Clapp Fletcher (Earl), Elmer (Thelma), and Donald (Betty).

Jim was a founding partner with his father, mother, Ida, Richard, and Laurel in the family's dairy farm, Sunny Mead Farms Inc. Later Charles joined the business and was an active partner. Jim was known as a hard-working, innovative, and honest farmer for over 50 years. Their award-winning farm set milk production and crop records. He was closely involved with the NYS Farm Bureau, 4-H, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. He patented a device for sealing plastic silos when they first were being tested, and contributed to soil and water conservation, crop, and farming technique tests. Jim was long-term chair of the Hillsdale Planning Board.

As a devoted member of the Craryville United Methodist Church for over 50 years, Jim was known as a kind, good-natured, and faithful friend and lay leader. Ida used to say if the world ever came to an end at 9 AM on a Sunday morning, Jim would be found singing at the Craryville Church. His love of the Lord and church choir singing led to membership in ecumenical choirs and ultimately the Hudson Valley Choral Society, where he performed up until their latest concert in May 2015. Another of Jim's interests was in reading and learning. After his retirement in his seventies he could often be found at the Hillsdale Public Library. His optimism and caring nature were a delight to friends and neighbors.

Private interment services will be held for both Jim and Ida at the Hillsdale Rural Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Cancer Society and on the Peck and Peck Funeral home website.

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