Obituary: James Clopton

James Clopton 1918 ~ 2006 Jim could name every flower blooming in Albian Basin in July and navigate the waters of Red Fish Lake, Idaho. He could trace the patterns of the stars and finesse the ski slopes of Alta and Deer Valley. Jim was a unique individual, true to his convictions about the environment, politics, and medicine. He died naturally on Sunday, February 5, 2006 at the age of 87. James Clopton was born the eighth of 10 children in Townsend, Montana on June 4, 1918 to Benjamin Ashby Clopton and Hanna Olivia Eklund. Life during those times was difficult, but Jim graduated top of his class, loving geography and adventure. Jim settled in the family farm and grew the wheat fields of Montana during World War II, providing food for a starving, ravaged world. After the war, he and his brother built and operated one of the first ski lifts in Montana at Grassy Mountain. Later on the ski slopes of Sun Valley he met and fell in love with Beverly Beck, who would become his wife and devoted Soul mate for the next 30 years. They resided in Holladay, Utah, where Jim worked as a Highway engineer, developing roads we all travel on today. Jim was a feminist, a supporter of women, the environment, and a truly kind man. He pronounced his social and political beliefs through his behavior and actions. The world will miss him and mourn the loss. In lieu of memorials, please donate to your favorite environmental or animal protection charity in his name. Funeral Directors Evans & Early.