James LeRoy Clouse was born on October 23, 1937 in Horton, Kansas to Roy and Idella Clouse. He passed away at Midland Care Hospice in Topeka, Kansas on Sunday, March 18 at the age of 80.

Jim at the age of 3, and his sister Bev age 5 experienced their parent’s divorce. His father moved to California to start a new life and his mother moved to Colorado to pursue a career, where she later met a wonderful man Al that shared life with her. Jim and his sister were left behind to be raised by their grandparents, Remus and Virginia Doyle. Growing up with his grandparents he learned carpentry skills and gardening. His one and only cousin Russell Bender visited frequently, so they become like brothers. At 17 Jim joined the U.S. Navy where he served active duty for 4 years as a lifeguard and HAM radio operator, where he communicated using morse code signals. After returning home from the U.S. Navy he found employment at LFM in Atchison, Kansas. Jim and his friend Jerry Schuetz, that later became his brother-in-law, decided to go out on the town. They went to "Edgetown" where he met the love of his life Mary. Jim pursued Mary while she was a senior in high school. After about a year of dating he proposed to her, and they had made plans to marry as soon as she graduated in May. Because she was only 17 she needed parental permission to marry. Both Mary's parents denied them permission. That did not stop their love for each other. Jim found employment at Goodyear where he worked for 37 years. They rescheduled their wedding day, and were married on July 2, 1960 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mercier, Kansas. Soon after the wedding they started a family with their 1st born Rick followed by Vicky 11 months later, Tracy 14 months later and Terry 1 year later. They lived on a farm in Meriden, Kansas until his grandfather Remus passed in 1970. He then moved his family to Horton to care for his grandma. They purchased the house that he had grown up in which was 2 doors down from his grandma's. Jim loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed time in the garden and remodeling.

He enjoyed diving, swimming and he could "Steal the Show" on Roller-skates. He rarely missed an event his kids were involved in. Anywhere from football, basketball, track, volleyball, soccer and theatre. Jim also loved taking his family to visit his sister Bev's family. They shared many great times on the farm and at their lake house, skiing, boating, and just relaxing on the Pontoon. He also assisted in the delivery of a baby colt with Bev's husband Gary. He was known to cook the best tasting sloppy joe's. He also sold his famous BBQ sauce to a couple local restaurants. Jim also enjoyed spending time with his in-laws. They prepared food and feed many of their family members. He enjoyed playing "Pitch", croquet and just sitting around having a beer or two and just talking about everyday life. The last year of his life became very difficult for him. Due to strokes and seizures he had his driving privileges revoked. He was later diagnosed with Parkinson and dementia. With the disease progression he suffered with multiple falls and 2 hip surgeries within the last 2 months as well as increased difficulty swallowing. On March 10th the doctor came into his room and informed him he would never walk again and would need a feeding tube for nutrition. He then replied "I just as well give up" and from that day forward he surrendered.

Survivors include his precious wife Mary, son, Rick (Jeannie) Clouse, daughter, Vicky Gockel and daughter Tracy (Chris) Long. 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandkids.

A rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday evening at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, Kansas where the family will greet friends following until 8:00 P.M. Funeral mass will be at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at the St. Leo's Catholic Church. Burial with Military graveside rites will follow at the St. Leo's Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Jim Clouse memorial fund to be designated later and may be sent in care of the mortuary. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com