James “Jim” Ronan Clulo, 90, of Valley Falls, KS, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Restwell Home Plus in Oskaloosa, KS. He was born December 4, 1933, in Marquette, MI, the son of James A. and Laura (Coe) Clulo.

Jim graduated from Graveraet High School in 1952, in Marquette, MI. In 1973, he earned his BA in History, Masters in 1976, and Masters in Latin American Studies in 1978, at Ft. Hays State College.

Jim enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 2, 1953, during the Koran War. He was Honorably discharged on July 1, 1957.

He taught Spanish, Politics, and History at Valley Falls High School from 1975 - 1996. He was an Adjunct Professor at Highland Community College beginning in 1982. He taught at Holton High School from 2001 - 2003, and back to Valley Falls High School from 2003 - 2004.

He was an active member of all the organizations that he belonged to from taking tickets for the Rotary Club at Friday night football games to participating as a Military Honor Guard with his VFW post. An avid Royals fan, he rarely missed watching a game on tv. He was a dog lover, always taking in numerous rescue dogs throughout his life. Those who live in Valley Falls could set their clocks to Mr. Clulo- daily rounds through town to see what was going on; always with his dog riding shotgun and a cigar in his mouth.

Former students, who still addressed him as Mr. Clulo or Mr. C, will remember his fiery style of teaching with frequent bursts of excitement when making a point or the slapping of the yardstick on the file cabinet when irritated or when waking a sleeping student. There was also the rarely changed and incredibly stained styrofoam coffee cup or the ever present “Holy Geeze” that could be heard throughout the building either in surprise or disbelief. Mr. Clulo- lasting legacy will be felt by former students of Valley Falls High School for many years to come.

Jim was a member of St. Mary- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Rotary Club since 1976, (serving as President twice), Valley Falls City Council for 4 years, Valley Falls Housing Authority board for 9 years (including 3 years as chairman), Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cresent Lodge #86, a long time and devoted deliverer of Meals on Wheels, and a member of V.F.W. Post 3084. He was a life-member of Nortonville American Legion, a Fullbright Scholar in 1985, at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Highland Community College Adjunct Instructor for over 25 years.

Survivors include his nephew, William Curtis Clulo of Divide, CO; sister-in-law, Rita Clulo of Woodland Park, CO; cousin, Marilynn Coe of Grand Junction, CO, and close neighbors Melvin, Jody, Tyler, and Peyton Lockhart of Valley Falls, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. and Laura (Coe) Clulo and a brother, William Clulo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 AM, Saturday, May 4, 2024, at St. Mary- Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls with Military Honors provided by Grahem Herbers V.F.W. Post 3084. Burial will be at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette, MI. Jim will lie-in-state Friday, May 3, 2024, from 10 AM - 6 PM at the Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Canale Tonella Funeral Home in Marquette, MI is in charge of Jim- graveside service. Memorials may be given to the Grahem-Herbers V.F.W. Post 3084 or VF Rotary Club Scholarship Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.