James F. Clare Jr.

James Francis Clare, beloved husband, son, father, grampy and coach, passed away on September 23,2023 at his home surrounded by family. Jim was born on June 2, 1965 to James and Lillian Clare in Quincy, Massachusetts. Jim spent the majority of his childhood in Weymouth, Massachusetts where he graduated from Weymouth North High School with the class of 1983. Following his time in Weymouth, Jim graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point as a Second Lieutenant in 1987. After graduation, Jim married the love of his life, Cheryl Bersani. Jim spent his military career in Hanau, Germany and Fort Sill Oklahoma where he reached the rank of Captain in the United States Army. After a successful military career, Jim moved to Bolingbrook, IL where he had a longtime career in sales and most recently as an employee of DELL-EMC. Jim was predeceased by his father, James Francis Clare Sr., and his grandparents, Francis and Helen Clare and Patrick and Lucy D’Angelo. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cheryl of IL, mother, Lillian of FL, his children, Ryan and his wife Denise of CO, Kevin of MA, and Kyle of IA. Jim is the cherished Grampy of Marina. Aside from his family, Jim’s greatest devotion was the game of hockey. He started his coaching career as a volunteer hockey coach for his son’s hockey teams. Quickly after, he became the President of the Sabres youth hockey organization and continued to serve selflessly from 2003 to 2016 long after his sons were too old to play for them anymore. Most recently, Jim coached the 2023 U19 girls hockey team. He served the greater Illinois hockey region at the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois as a Director and as the Vice-President of Coaching and Membership Development. At the national level, he served as USA Hockey ADM Coordinator for Illinois, USA Hockey Associate Coach in Chief and USA Hockey Coach in Chief for Illinois. Jim’s contributions to the local, state and national hockey world span decades. Jim’s signature look of a USA hockey jacket, a West Point hat and a large cup of coffee in hand will be missed. Visitation Tuesday, September 26th from 4:00pm-8:00pm. Funeral Wednesday, 9:45am at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home 530 W. Boughton Rd. Bolingbrook, IL. 60440 to St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mass 10:30am. Interment Massachusetts National Cemetery at a late date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Jim Clare memorial fund for hockey players. The fund will be used to support hockey players throughout the country. Venmo @jcmsf Cash app@ jcmsf Zelle jamesclarememorialfund@gmail.com

James F. Clare Jr.

June 2, 1965 - September 23, 2023