Born February 19, 1937 in Pekin to James Charles and Marjorie Ellen (Barrick) Clayberg, he married JoAnn Rosalie Bloom on September 12, 1959 in Pekin. She died January 15, 2014 in Pekin. He was also preceded in death by his parents.
Surviving are two daughters, Julie (Bob) Goshorn of Romeoville and Jill Kapusta of Sarasota, Florida; four grandchildren, Sarah Jo Goshorn of Highland, Robert "Bo" James (Katie) Goshorn of La Grange, Matt Mackenzie Porter and Shelby Nicole Porter, both of Sarasota, Florida.
Jim was a veteran of the United States Air Force.
He was a former member of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks #1271 for 25 years. He served as Exalted Ruler from 1975 to 1976 and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler for East Central District in 1985 and served as local lodge Treasurer for seven years.
Jim was also a life and 56 year member of Empire Lodge #126 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons in Pekin. A 38 year member of Pekin Chapter 25 of Royal Arch Masons, where he served as Past High Priest in 1995 and Order of High Priesthood of the Royal Arch Masons of Illinois in 1996.
His memberships also included York Rite Council of Peoria #11 as Super Excellence Master, Peoria Commandery #3, and Knights Templar Central Illinois York Rite College #42 in Peoria. He also was a 56 year member of Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria and past Sovereign Prince of Peoria Council of Princes of Jerusalem.
He was also an active Shiner, serving with Mohammed Temple, Shrine, AAONMS in Peoria, Mohammed Shrine Chanters, and Shrine Chanters Association of North America, Mohammed Legion of Honor and the Mohammed Shrine Hillbilly’s – Clan #44. He took great pride also serving as a Mohammed Temple Hospital van driver.
Jim was also a member of the Sahib Shrine Temple and Sahib Temple Chanters in Sarasota, Florida, Peoria #35 Universal Craftsmen Council of Engineers and Abba Grotto in East Peoria.
A management employee of Caterpillar, Inc. NACD U.S. Department, Jim retired in April 1, 1999 as Senior Machine Sales Account Administrator after 33 years of service.
Jim was an area professional musician for 35 years. He was a life member of the Pekin Municipal Band, serving the organization as librarian and property manager for 25 years. He also played in the Peoria and Washington Municipal Bands, as well as the Gary Newton Orchestra for 18 years.
A 1955 graduate of Pekin Community High School, Jim played tennis in both high school and college. He was a professional wedding photographer too.
Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin.
Masonic rites will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, immediately followed by Jim’s funeral service. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin. Military rites will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Tazewell Military Rites Team.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Mohammed Shriners, 4201 Industry Drive, Bartonville, Illinois 61607 or Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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