Dr. Jim L. Clapper, 76, of West Lafayette, died at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010 after a short hospitalization. Jim was born May 16, 1933 in Portland, Indiana to the late Wilbur "Jack" and Lucille (Bennett) Clapper. He was a 1951graduate of Roosevelt High School in Monticello. Dr. Clapper graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education in 1955. He then served in the United States Navy as an Engineering Officer on a destroyer escort. Afterwards, he received his Masters in Education and a PhD. in Guidance and Psychological Counseling from Purdue. Early in his career he was assistant Dean for Undergraduate Administration in the School of Industrial Management at Purdue University. He also served as Graduate Assistant for the Athletic Department, and Academic Adviser, Assistant to the Dean, and Acting Assistant Dean of the School of Science, Education, and Humanities. In 1964 he was awarded the Sigma Delta Chi Leather Medal Award, which was presented annually for the greatest contribution to the welfare, success and reputation of Purdue University. Jim married Nancy Ann Thomas on October 22, 1967 at Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette. She preceded him in death on July 14, 2008. In 1968 he was named Assistant to the President (F.L. Hovde) and Executive Director of the Purdue Centennial Celebration and played a key role in the direction and solicitation of the $25,000,000 Centennial Fund Campaign and the establishment of the school's academic symbol, the Griffin. In 1970 he earned his IEM degree from Harvard Business School for the Management and Development Program for College and University Administrators. While at Purdue, he became an educational consultant for State Farm's Indiana Office. In August of 1973 he left Purdue and became a State Farm Agent, starting a nearly 35 year career that included his appointment to Agency Manager and Agency Director. In his time at State Farm he was involved in the hiring and development of hundreds of State Farm associates. An accomplished agent, he was a twelve time Legion of Honor qualifier as a Select Agent and earned the Silver Scroll designation for quality. He enjoyed the daily interaction with his policy holders, considering many of them not just customers but friends. He worked six days a week until his health forced his retirement in May of 2008. Surviving are his daughter, Kelley Clapper of West Lafayette; twin sons, Marc Clapper (wife: Brenda) of Brookston and Jeff Clapper (wife: Cara) of Carmel and his sister, Jackie Lou Brown (husband: Carl) of Lafayette. Jim's grandchildren Kaitlyn, Payton, Camryn, Callum, Campbell and Carson brought him great joy and happiness. He was extremely proud of the long line of twins in his family. Preceding him in death with his parents and wife was his twin brother, Tom Clapper. A devoted Christian, Jim treated everyone he met with honesty and respect. He was an accomplished golfer and enjoyed the charter fishing trips he took with his son Marc and his granddaughters on Lake Michigan. As with any father, his only daughter Kelley was the light of his life. He also found great pride in his son Jeff's academic and work accomplishments. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home in Brookston. Funeral service 10 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Brookston Federated Church; Rev. Dr. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate. Entombment to follow in Tippecanoe Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Jim L. Clapper Memorial Stroke Fund, being established to help local stroke victims with financial assistance in their time of need.