James Lloyd Clarey

James Lloyd Clarey passed away peacefully at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina on March 8. He was 57.

Jim was born in Rome, New York on August 8, 1968 to Jean A. Schoner (née Walker) and Bernard M. Clarey, Jr. He attended Rome Free Academy and Mohawk Valley Community College. Introduced to the drums by his father at a young age, Jim became an accomplished musician and drummer. He performed with the Charlotte-area bands Good Night Swim, Whatever, and Bullet The Blue Sky, forging deep connections with bandmates and fans while traveling across the country doing what he loved. An avid golfer, he remained a devoted New York Yankees and Carolina Panthers fan. Above all, Jim was a child at heart who cherished nothing more than a spirited game of whiffleball in the backyard.

He was predeceased by his grandparents Mary and Lloyd Walker and Margaret Clarey, his father Bernard M. Clarey, Jr., his stepmother Starr Ann (Crowell) Clarey, and his nephew Matthew A. Cotton.

Jim is survived by his mother Jean A. Schoner and stepfather Donald J. Schoner of Homer, Georgia; his brother Daniel Clarey and wife Janice of Cranberry, Pennsylvania; his sisters Deborah Thomas and husband Jim of Palmetto, Florida, Amy Clarey of Youngsville, North Carolina, and Mary Sommers and husband Jim of Pendergrass, Georgia; along with his many nieces, nephews, and their children who brought him great joy. He was deeply loved by family and by friends who became family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Skin Cancer Foundation.