James Henry Claycomb

May 14, 1932 - February 17, 2017

James Henry Claycomb, passed away on February 17, 2017 at the age of 84. Jim is preceded in death by his parents Vern and Madeline Claycomb and two brothers Loren and Roger Claycomb. Jim is survived by his son Tim Claycomb, daughter Tammy Ditto and her husband Doug, 2 grandchildren Jake and Emily Ditto. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Miller and her husband Jerry and sister in-law Lila, nephews and nieces; Mike Claycomb, Christy Claycomb, Scott Claycomb, Curt Claycomb, Chris Miller and Teresa Miller. Also survived by numerous grand nieces and nephews. Jim was born May 14, 1932, in St. Joseph, MO. He graduated in 1950 from Central High School, in St. Joe. He had a love of learning and it’s evident in the numerous Universities he studied at and his degrees. Jim earned his B.A. at William Jewell College in Liberty, MO.; he also attended Midwest Baptist Theological Seminary, earning a M.Div. in Theology. He was a Pastor at Seitz Baptist Church in St. Joe and a Pastor at a Baptist Church in Murry, MO. He continued graduate studies at the University of Missouri where he was a teaching assistant. He moved on to be a Sociology Instructor at Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA. Then continued as Assistant Professor at Park College in Parkville, MO. One of his proudest moments was helping start up the Synergy House in Parkville. Synergy House is a non-profit short term emergency shelter that assists young people in crisis. Synergy House continues to operate today. He held several jobs during his life including Director of Mental Health Center in Kansas City, and also worked in the telecommunications and Insurance industries. Although he worked in many different fields his love was education and helping people. A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Raphael Chapel, 5401 N. Sycamore Dr., Kansas City, MO 64119, with the services to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the Synergy House of Parkville via Synergyservices.org/donate.php. Fond memories and words of comfort may be shared at: www.CashattFamilyFuneralHome.com.