James Finn LeClaire

Jim was born in Norwich, CT to Alice and Eudor LeClaire on July 19, 1934. He went to school at Griswold High in Jewett City, CT. He married Mavis Faye Vause on December 26, 1959 in Tallahassee, FL. He graduated from both University of Connecticut (BA) and Florida State University (MA). He worked as a teacher, a coach and an athletics director in Griswold High School for 35 years. As coach at Griswold High School, Jim led the Wolverines to multiple state titles in baseball; conference championships in football; basketball league titles; and numerous other championships. Jim took great pride in watching the young men and women of Griswold High School develop into responsible adults that have contributed so much to the world.

Jim was a veteran and served in the US Army and US Army Reserve for 27 years. He retired as a full colonel.

For over 50 years, Jim was involved with the Knights of Columbus in Councils in both CT and FL where he attained the highest level as a Fourth Degree in the Order.

Jim truly led a life of service to his family, his faith, his country, his hometown and his beloved Griswold High.

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Faye.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Lynne LeClaire (spouse Donald Dumaine) and Kathleen LeClaire (spouse Barbara Langford); sons, James LeClaire Jr (spouse Vicki Knox LeClaire) and William LeClaire (spouse Sally Nowakowski LeClaire); brother, Paul LeClaire; grandsons, Ethan Dumaine, Jared LeClaire, Jacob LeClaire; granddaughters, Danielle Dumaine and Madison LeClaire; and great granddaughter Amelia Dumaine.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 29, 2020, in Land O Lakes, FL with Father Xavy of Our Lady of the Rosary officiating. Interment will follow on March 16, 2020 at 1:00pm at the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota FL. Arrangements are by Blount and Curry Funeral Home, Carrollwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Jewett City CT Little League. Donations can be mailed by check to Jewett City Little League, PO Box 204 Jewett City, CT 06351, or online at the link below. https://paypal.me/CoachLeClaireJCLL?locale.x=en_US

Please reference Coach LeClaire memorial.

The family of Jim wishes to extend our sincere thanks for the countless well wishes, prayers, and condolences from Jim's family, friends, students and communities.