News : In Memory of JR Clapp: Scouts, friends and teachers continue tributes

JR Clapp loved his fedora.

Local Scouts helped the community and Clapp family honor JR.

After she heard of the death of JR Clapp, elementary art teacher Lindsey Otto remembered a special photo she had taken of the Shellsburg fifth grader a while ago.

JR and some of his friends had decided to honor her as “Art Queen.” They gave her a crown and a WWE-style championship belt representing that status.

“That was so sweet, kind, fun and totally typical of JR,” said Mrs. Otto. “This beautiful soul will be greatly missed.”

A black and white photo of JR holding the crown is among those stored in Mrs. Otto’s phone.

Those who knew JR as a classmate, friend or fellow Scout have spent the past week sharing memories and tears as they mourn his unexpected death on April 16, while playing with Scouts at a camping event at Hickory Hills Park in Black Hawk County. He was just 11.

One elementary student who celebrated her birthday this week, when asked what she wanted to do with money she had received, replied that she wants to give it to JR’s family.

Those who knew him best knew JR had a congenital heart condition and other health issues that kept him from competing in some sports. But those things didn’t keep from being as active as possible. He participated in all of the scouting projects necessary for a Webelo to earn the highest honor possible for a Cub Scout – the Arrow of Light. JR received that award in February, with six fellow Scouts.

The past week has brought many reminders of the things JR loved, from the fedora he wore to be like his older cousin to his faith and sense of humor.

Many classmates joined their parents at visitation on Thursday, where scores of photos of JR’s life and activities were on display.

On Friday, JR’s dad, John, shared more stories during the funeral at Blessed Hope Church. He spoke of the way JR loved to joke with his family.

Pastor Matt Hantz shared his memories of Jr, including how he baptized JR last July. The family chose a photo of JR hugging the pastor afterwards for one of the two pictures on the funeral handout. Good-bye, said the pastor, is only temporary for those who believe in Christ will be reunited for eternity in Heaven.

“That will forever be one of my favorite memories of ministry,” Hantz told the standing-room-only congregation.

“JR was thankful for his family finding Blessed Hope,” said John. “He said the church was basically just right for us. He also said he hoped the people who had recently died from our church would be in Jesus' loving care.”

The funeral ended with a song chosen by JR’s grandmothers: “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie.

The sun will come out tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow
There'll be sun

Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow
'til there's none

When I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely
I just stick up my chin and grin and say, oh

The sun will come out tomorrow
So you gotta hang on
'til tomorrow, come what may!
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow
You're only a day away!

“JR’s grandmas said they could just see him singing and dancing to it, and it was an uplifting song choice,” said John.

As the casket bearers carried JR from the funeral, most were wearing matching suits and fedoras. The funeral procession took JR to Cox Cemetery southwest of Urbana, where JR’s fellow Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and their leaders formed an honor guard along the driveway. Mourners walked between the Scouts as they followed the hearse to the burial site. Before leaving, the mourners filled the sky with balloons – purple ones let go by family members, followed by red and blue balloons released by Scouts and friends. The brisk wind carried the balloons south as they disappeared above as they drifted toward the clouds above Shellsburg. On Tuesday, when Shellsburg students celebrate their annual concert and art show, the works of JR will be on special display, says Mrs. Otto.

Scout scholarship planned

Tonight, the Pack 47 Scouts will share more memories of JR during their meeting. They will also discuss creating a scholarship for Scout camp; JR’s family had already paid for summer camp, and they have asked the troop to use that money to pay for camp for another Scout whose family would have difficulty paying for it.

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