James Norman Clasby, aged 75, passed away in his sleep June 25th at Cayuga Medical
Center in Ithaca, New York after battling multiple health problems. James was born on April
12th, 1950 in Munich, Germany to US Airforce officer Paul Clasby and German native Maria
Clasby née Bogner. James grew up as a decorated Boy Scout of America and shared his love
of camping and nature with his four children by camping as much as possible.
The Clasby Family eventually settled down in the Ithaca area and James graduated
from Newfield High School in 1968. The love and commitment to community he had as a Boy
Scout carried over to his work as a Deputy Sheriff for Tompkins County, and even beyond his
retirement in May of 1999. James regularly donated to children’s hospitals, veteran programs,
and the SPCA. He was known to make a big “BOOM” not just by being a part of a local
fireworks group in the 90’s and early 2000’s, but through his big personality. He loved to
entertain whether it was through fireworks, grilling, or telling all sorts of stories and jokes, usually
happening on the same night, at get togethers and family gatherings. He was truly a Jack of all
trades, with his knowledge of cars, science, history, and so many more topics.
James is predeceased by his father Paul Clasby, his mother Maria Clasby, his aunt
Ingrid Koestler, and his uncle Helmut Koestler. James is survived by his four children Brian
Clasby, Gregory Clasby, Krista Damen née Clasby, and Betsy Clasby; his grandson Helmut
José Porras Clasby, his Sister Elizabeth Carr née Clasby, his nephew Derek Carr, and cousin
Richard Koestler.
The family plans to do a Graveside Ceremony at the Calvary Cemetery on July 10th at
11am. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation in James’s memory to the
Tompkins County SPCA, or to the Cayuga Nature Center. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the
family with James’s final arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James N. Clasby, please visit our flower store.
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