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James Claflin
JAMES ALLEN CLAFLIN
Cedar Rapids
James Allen Claflin, 76, passed away Sept. 12, 2018, in Lexington, Ky., where he had resided since 2017.
Jim was born Oct. 12, 1941, in Savannah, Ga. He was the son of James F. Claflin and Florence Claflin of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He graduated in 1960 from Jefferson High School and after graduation moved to California. He joined the Navy during the Vietnam War. When he finished his service, he moved back to Cedar Rapids and worked as an underwriting manager for Iowa National Mutual Insurance. In November 1967, he married Ruth Smith, also of Cedar Rapids. They moved to West Hills, Calif., in 1974, where Jim became a State Farm Insurance agent with his agency in Chatsworth, Calif., until he retired in 2016. Jim was an avid golfer and sports fan. He and Ruth loved to travel, which they did extensively. The light of his life was their daughter, Sheri Leigh Claflin. He was a devoted father and passed on his love of travel to Sheri.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Ruth; and daughter, Sheri Claflin Cather and son-in-law, Michael Cather of Lexington. He also leaves a brother, John Claflin (Sandy) of Lexington; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Memorials in Jim's name may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, the Alzheimer's Association or the American Diabetes Association.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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