James “Jim” Allen Claypool, 91, of Gladstone, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026, at North Kansas City Hospital.

James was born on August 20, 1935, in Rich Hill, the son of Joseph Ward and Bernice Evelyn (Sharp) Claypool. He was united in marriage to Beverly J. Davison of Columbus, KS, on November 26, 1959; to this union, their two children were born.

Survivors include: son, J.C. (Sheri) Claypool of Cowgill; daughter, Michelle (Jeff) Murphy of Parkville; six grandchildren: David (Lauren) Claypool, Brian (Sarah) Claypool, Jordan Murphy, Allie (Dan) Chilcote, Madison (Mikey) Mitchell, and Myles Murphy; and seven great-grandchildren: Cary Claypool, Kelly Claypool, Grayson Claypool, Reese Claypool, Hadley Curry, Everly Mitchell, and Emma Chilcote.

He was preceded in death his parents and his brother, Jay W. Claypool.

Jim was raised and educated in the Kansas City area. Following high school, he attended Central Missouri State University (CMSU), where he earned his bachelor's degree. Jim was active in the workforce until 2022. Throughout his life, he held various positions, including employment with General Motors and General Mills. He also enjoyed a successful career in real estate, earning his broker's license and owning and operating a Century 21 franchise until selling the business. Jim later worked as an examiner for the Internal Revenue Service in Kansas City, where he eventually retired. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim proudly served his country in the National Guard.

Jim was a man of strong faith who was dedicated to serving his church and community. Throughout the years, he faithfully served as both a deacon and treasurer in the churches he attended. He was also a member of the Lions Club and enjoyed giving his time to coaching Little League baseball. Outside of his work and community involvement, Jim enjoyed spending time fishing and at the lake. He also had a passion for aviation and, at the age of 60, accomplished the exciting milestone of earning his pilot's license. Jim's life was marked by hard work, faith, service to others, and a willingness to pursue new interests and challenges. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Freedom That Lasts to help people with addictions. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 9:00 A.M., with services to follow at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow services at 3:00 P.M. in Newton Cemetery, Nevada, Missouri. Please remember to share your memories of Jim with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.