James "Jim" Clam

James "Jim" G. Clam, 73, of Carbondale, IL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, February 14, 2025.

Jim was born April 21, 1951 in Chicago to Charles "Chick" and Alice (Prendergast) Clam.

Jim served in the Army in the early 70s and met Rosemary "Rose" Schierer during one of his leaves home to Chicago. He began writing to her and they began dating when he came home on his next leave. Jim & Rose married on June 1, 1974 at Rubio Woods in Midlothian, IL. Almost two years later, daughter Daisy was born. He attended Daley College (formerly Southwest College) in Chicago until he transferred to Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1977. They moved to a farm in the rolling hills of Union County. He and Rose fell so in love with southern Illinois they decided to stay and raise their family there. One year later in October, son Timothy (Tim) was born.

Jim was a devoted stay at home father while also helping to work the farm the family lived on. He worked construction for several years until he and the family moved to Carbondale when he began working as a Clerk for the Postal Service, working there for 24 years until his retirement.

Jim was an artist and musician, playing with many bands and jam sessions at rock and folk festivals throughout southern Illinois including Southern Jam, as well as many a house party around the SIU campus. While attending SIU, he brought everything he learned home and taught it to Daisy and Tim. Jim also was quite proud of designing some official Carbondale Halloween t-shirt designs for Gusto's Graphics in the early 80s. He adored nature and animals and had many beloved pets throughout his life including a raccoon he'd asked for as an 8th grade graduation gift.

Jim is survived by his daughter Daisy (Mike) Chervinko and their children Vio and Hannah, also of Carbondale; his siblings Chick (Ginny) Clam of Chicago, Joe (Susie) Clam of Rock Springs, WI, and sister Marie Clam of Chicago; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Chick and Alice Clam, son Timothy, and his wife of 48 years, Rose.

Jim was a lover of nature and the outdoors, so in lieu of gifts, the family requests that donations be made in Jim's memory to Friends of Giant City State Park to help with its efforts to maintain the park he and Rose fell so in love with back in 1977 and brought them so much joy and awe over the years.

A memorial will be planned in the future.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Jim, visit www.meredithfh.com.