- Date Of Birth: May 17, 1930
- Date Of Death: January 10, 2022
- State: North Carolina
On May 17, 1930, Beecher Ward Clapp Sr. and Eunice Summers Clapp were blessed with the birth of a son, whom they named Beecher Ward Clapp, Jr. Jim as he would be known grew up around the Hanford Brickyard area and even in the winter of his life, he remembered many of the Hanford Family members.
Jim was educated in the Alamance County School System and was a Graham High School graduate in 1946. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following his devoted service to his country and his Honorable Discharge, he enrolled at then, Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University). Following his graduation, he began a career as an educator. He began his teaching endeavors at Anne Chestnut Middle School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. For several years, was in the class room as an English and History instructor. Jim believed in bettering himself and by doing so helping others. He received a Master’s Degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. By obtaining this advanced degree, he was afforded the opportunity to shape and mold the lives of many children and adults as he began a career as an Assistant Principal. Jim ended his teaching career of over 40 plus years in Alamance County at Graham High School.
To know Jim was to truly love him. He was stern, opinionated and wanted things to the right way, which was normally his way. He was loving to a degree and would do all that he could to assist those who were truly in need.
Jim was married to Barbara Ann Tate Clapp. While this union did not produce any offspring, they shared their love with each other and with many of their loving family and friends. In his youth, he was affiliated with Springdale AME Church. He knew the importance of prayer and encouraged all to pray for themselves, don’t depend on others.
In addition to his parents and devoted wife, he was preceded in death by his sister Doris Clapp Alston.
Loving and lasting memories are left with: his brother: Hurlis Clapp; a devoted and caring cousin, Ruthie C. Woods who was his primary caregiver for several years along with her daughter: Mekeial Woods Hawkins and family; a niece who he raised as a daughter Ressie Tate her sons who he loved as grandchildren Jacobi Benjamin and Jamar Benjamin. Jim leaves precious memories to his two nephews as well, Ronald Lewis Clapp and Stevie Alston.
