James "Jim" Hunter Clair , 79, of Telford, Pennsylvania, formerly of Harleysville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospice House.

He was the devoted husband of Dorothy P. (Clapper) Clair, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Jim was the son of the late Wilbur Clair and the late Janice (Muffett) Clair. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1964 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in History from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, class of 1968. During his college years, he distinguished himself as a champion wrestler, winning the Eastern Nationals.

Jim served his country during the Vietnam era, completing two years of service teaching at Robertson School in Puerto Rico.

His passion for education led him to pursue graduate studies. He earned his master's degree from Kansas State University and later achieved his Ph.D. from Florida State University in Tallahassee.

In 1987, Jim returned to Pennsylvania and began a 25-year career with Merck, Sharp & Dohme in West Point, PA, where he worked as a Statistician until his retirement in 2013.

Jim was a lifelong learner and avid reader who loved solving complex problems. He had a zest for life and enjoyed snowboarding, surfing, and staying active. He was a pragmatic, kind-spirited, warm, and empathetic man, known for his intelligence and sense of humor. He was also a devoted family man who raised two beloved scarlet macaws, caring for them for more than 47 years.

Above all, Jim cherished time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and their three children: Amy Migliore & husband, Tony of Rowley, MA; Ian Clair & wife, Mallory of Harleysville, PA; and Sara Wieller & husband, Justin of Little Elm, TX. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Alexis, Alivia, and August Migliore; Lenora Clair; Aiden, Rhys, and Finn Wieller — and one more on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Clair & husband, Don Haynie, and brother, Wil Clair, both of St. Petersburg, FL.

A memorial service will be held in March 2026. Please check back in February 2026 for further details.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Greenpeace USA, 1300 Eye Street NW, Suite 1100 East, Washington, D.C. 20005. Please write 'Jim Clair' on the memo line.

Arrangements are by Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964. Online condolences may be shared at www.andersfh.com .