James Orton Clawson III, (aka, Nature Jim and Ort), passed away peacefully on Aug. 25 at the young age of 63 at home from an eight year battle with brain cancer.
He was born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Belle Vernon.
Jim graduated college from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1978.
His first position was with the Ohio Power Company in Lima, Ohio.
In 1985, he moved to Hewitt, and continued his career with Rockland Electric until his retirement in 2016.
Jim touched the lives of thousands through his mountain bike riding, hiking, karaoke singing, and trail building.
The woodlands and its beauty were his greatest passion along with the gift of song.
No matter where Jim went, he always came away with new friends and relationships that would last a lifetime and beyond.
His passion for singing allowed him to sing with several bands in the area to belt out his signature song, “Roadhouse Blues” by the Doors.
As soon as he started to sing, the entire crowd took notice and became immersed in his energy.
As you closed your eyes you would swear you were listening to Jim Morrison.
Jim was the life of the party.
Preceding his death are his father, James O. Clawson Jr. and mother Jacqueline (Guseman) Clawson.
Surviving are his wife, Rachel (Harlan) Clawson, sons, Shane (wife, Sarafina) of Ringwood, Stephen, of Hewitt, and daughter, Skylar of Hewitt, sister, Sheree Auell (husband, Bill), of Saegertown, Pennsylvania, and brother, Jeff Clawson (wife, Christy) of Loveland, Ohio.
A memorial service will be held at Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford on Saturday, Aug. 31 from noon-4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Jim to JORBA, at www.jorba.org/donate or the New York/New Jersey Trail Conference at , www.nynjtc.org/donate.