J. Clarke Bashelor

James Clarke Bashelor, 61 of Bozrah, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 after an 18 month battle with cancer. Born on November 28, 1955 in Washington D.C. as the son of James Lee and Dorothy (Litton) Bashelor, Clarke was a devoted history teacher at Simsbury High School for 12 years. He embarked upon a second career in education after retiring from the United States Coast Guard with the rank of Commander and logging over 5,000 flight hours as a HH-60 search and rescue helicopter pilot. Prior to his transfer to the Coast Guard, Clarke flew the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter for the United States Marine Corps. Clarke dedicated 26 years of active duty military service for his country.  During his non-work hours, and throughout his life, Clarke was known for spending time with his family and for his interest in youth sports. While his children were growing up, Clarke often volunteered as a coach for their sports teams. He also worked over many years as a high school basketball official and more recently as the coach of the Simsbury High Freshman baseball team. In his spare time Clarke loved reading History books on a variety of topics.  Clarke graduated from Wake Forest University and pitched for their baseball team. He grew up in North Cape May, New Jersey, where he became a lifelong fan of both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies.  Clarke was especially proud of his family. He married Barbara, his wife of 38 years, who survives him. He is also survived by his son, Andrew C. Bashelor and his wife, Lindsey of Jaffrey, NH; his second son, William J. Bashelor of Bozrah; and his daughter, Jessica B. Fracalossi and her husband, Sean of Brookline, MA. Clarke particularly loved taking his three grandsons Nicholas, Luke and Linus with him for hot dogs or to launch model rockets.  In addition to his immediate family, Clarke leaves a brother, Michael Gates and his wife, Barbara of Salisbury, MD; a sister, Marye Jo Molitoris and her husband, David of BelAlton, MD; his father-in-law, Robert Ewald of Cape May, NJ; plus many nieces, nephews and extended family.  The family will receive guests from 4 to 7 pm Sunday, October 8th at the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home, 167 Old Hartford Road, Colchester. A time of reflection and sharing of memories will be observed at 6:30 pm.  The Memorial Liturgy will be celebrated 10 am Monday, October 9th, directly at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich.  Msgr. Anthony Rosaforte will officiate.  The rendering of military honors will follow Mass. Clarke will be laid to rest privately at Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 (www.dana-farber.org/gift) to further Adult Neurological Cancer research, or to the Center for Hospice Care Southeast Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich 06360 (www.hospicesect.org).