James G. Claypool

James George Claypool of Woodstock, IL peacefully passed away on June 10, 2022. Jim was born in Chicago, IL on July 17, 1933 to George and Velma Claypool.

He was raised in Chicago, graduated from Cornell College of Mt. Vernon, IA in 1956 and, in that same year, married his sweetheart, Cora May Breen.  Their marriage lasted 65 years before her passing April 11, 2022. Together, they lived in St. Louis, MO and San Antonio, TX before settling in Crystal Lake, IL for 35 years.

Jim never looked back when he made his life changing decision to practice dentistry. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Dentistry, he joined the Air Force and moved his family of 3 to Randolph Airforce Base in San Antonio, TX to begin practicing dentistry. Following 2 years of serving his beloved country, he moved his expanded family of 4 to Crystal Lake.

After practicing for 23 years, Jim and Cora retired to their piece of “heaven on earth”, fondly referred to as Brigadoon, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Jim found his deepest happiness here while gardening, creating in his
woodworking shop, enjoying nature walks, and making new, wonderful friends with Cora at their small, but mighty Eli Memorial Church. Jim’s creed to live by was, “To trust in the workings of the Lord completely for guidance by the
teachings of goodness, fairness, politeness, giving and understanding that Jesus Christ has given to us.”

His greatest joy was sharing Brigadoon with family and friends. Fourth of July family reunions most especially, where his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and adults alike experienced their firsts…hooking a worm on a fishing pole, waterskiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, wolf howling, wild flower and artist fungi hunting, sailing, treasure hunts, cutting down a fresh Christmas tree and so much more. Watching the people they loved most, enjoy their Brigadoon, was,
by far, Jim and Cora’s greatest lifetime pleasure. As his grandson, Matthew, fondly shared, “We’ll always have Brigadoon”.

Jim and Cora’s 2nd retirement was spent at Hearthstone Communities in Woodstock, IL. Jim continued his love of gardening and shared the fruits of his labor with his appreciative Hearthstone neighbors.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Jill; son, Tom (wife Joan) who blessed him with four wonderful grandchildren, Katie (husband Bill Musick), Andrew, Kim and Matthew. Grace Emily Musick, his great grand baby arrived just in time to bring him 18 months of pure joy! He is also survived by his sister, Karen Friedmann and so many additional family and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his best friend and loving wife, Cora May Claypool; and his great grandson, Ronald Thomas Musick.

A private family dedication will be held to spread his ashes along with his wife, Cora in Little Africa, their most favorite water passage, near Brigadoon.