James Claflin

James Dean Claflin, 58 passed away surrounded by family, at his home in Cheyenne, Wyoming on September 1, 2014 after battling pancreatic cancer. James was born to Arthur and Janet Claflin in Beloit, Wisconsin on December 24, 1955. He graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1974, married his high school sweetheart-Marlene Tetzlaff and had three children. In 1984, his profession took him and his family to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he began a long fulfilling career as a Cadastral Surveyor for Bureau of Land Management. The next 30 years he worked in Cadastral Surveying in Wyoming, New Mexico and Montana, additionally; as Director of Surveying for Jorgensen Associates, Jackson, Wyoming. He retired December 2013 as Chief Cadastral Surveyor for Montana and the Dakotas. James led an adventurous life exploring the wilderness areas of the Rocky Mountains. He enjoyed skiing, camping, fishing, horses, and especially hunting with his sons, brothers and closest friends. His passion was sailing in the British Virgin Islands, where he chartered many sailing trips for friends and family. He also served as a Captain for the Jackson Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Campbell County Volunteer Fire Department. James is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Marlene; his children Joshua Claflin (Danielle), Paul Claflin (Reggie)and Jaime Grundner (George); grandchildren Brett, Kayli, Bronson, Jevity and George; siblings Ken Claflin, Al Claflin and Gail Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jeff. He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and a firm believer in his savior Jesus Christ. A memorial service will be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4776 Mountain Road, Cheyenne, Wyoming on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.