James "Gregory" Cleapor

Gregory was born on June 12, 1953, to Walter Edward Cleapor Jr and Velona Katherine (Green) Cleapor in Atlanta, Georgia.

Gregory graduated from South Cobb High School.

SGT James Gregory Cleapor honorably, served his country in the United States Air Force as B-52 Crew Chief in Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War. While stationed in Guam he earned his radio operators license and earned certification as a deep-water diver.

After the service, he received his A&P license at Atlanta Area Tech. He earned his private pilot license. He worked in Aviation for 40 years. He enjoyed fly fishing in North Georgia, North Carolina, Florida and Montana.

He was a good cyclist and went cliff diving in Jamaica. He also built model airplanes for his friends and family. He was a member of the Cobb County Radio Control club where he flew radio-controlled planes. He enjoyed travelling with his family, painting landscapes and was a talented sketch artist. He liked to draw the Disney animation characters on family trips to Disney World.

Gregory met his future wife at the home of his good friends Mike & Haydee and they were married for over 28 years. He became a father at age 46 and loved every minute of it teaching his daughter to love the outdoors.

Gregory was pre-deceased by his parents, sister Nancy, his brothers Norman, Walter Edward III (Butch), Roy, his mother-in-law Norma Schroeder Reed and many beloved family members and friends including his dear Aunt Stella (Green) Cofer.

Gregory is survived by his loving wife Valerie Elizabeth (Reed) Cleapor, precious daughter Lauren Elizabeth Cleapor, and stepson Matthew Steven Ballman. His sisters Kathi Barry, Maureen (Wayne) Gay and Phoebe (Lyle) Doherty, and his sister-in-law Sherry Reed and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including his Lockheed Martin and Northwest (Delta) families.

He fought every ailment and hardship with grace, integrity and a sense of humor.

Heaven has gained a beautiful soul.

We welcome you to join us to celebrate Gregory’s life, laughter and love.

If you would like to to make a donation in Gregory's honor, please contribute to March of Dimes, or the Salvation Army, https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/