James William Claxton, Jr., 85, of New Haven, CT, departed this life on November 16, 2021, at Yale-New Haven Hospital, with his children by his side. James was born on August 12, 1936 in New Haven, CT to the late James William Claxton Sr. and Florence Cherry Lewis. He attended Hillhouse High School. He retired as a superintendent from Franklin Construction in 1991. Mr. Claxton served honorably in the United States Army from 1953-1957. During this time, he was deployed in the Korean War. He later served in the United States Army Reserves from 1957-1962. During his dedicated years in the Army, he was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and Army Occupation Medal. James was an alderman with the City of New Haven from 1974-1975, serving Ward 22. Mr. Claxton also had the opportunity to play professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs. Later on he decided to coach the Walter Pop Smith Little League Baseball Team in which they won the championship in 1976. Mr. Claxton enjoyed playing electric football and table hockey with his children, son-in-laws, and grandchildren. He was a sports fanatic, and his favorite teams were the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers. He also loved to cook and make dishes from scratch. Another interest he had was drawing. He loved to draw and taught his son and grandson how to draw. James also loved music. He was known for saying “turn the radio up” and liked to replay the songs. He enjoyed laughing and joking with his children and grandchildren. He was the sole provider of his five children and made it a priority to attend all of their games, as well as his grandchildren’s. James leaves to mourn, his children, Christine Jones (Bob), Tracy Claxton, Geary Claxton (Michele), Terri Askew (Raymond), Larry Edwards (LaVona), and Tiffany Fulton; five stepchildren, all of New Haven, CT; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Naomi Owens Claxton, son, James Phaon Claxton; and three uncles, Theodore Cherry, Remore Cherry, and Gussy Cherry.