Jim Cleere
That October night in 1977, Jean Rieger, a divorced mother with a 10-year-old daughter, got down on her knees and prayed to God to send her "a good man" to marry.

When she got up, the phone rang. On the other end was Jim Cleere, a divorced father of two sons, ages 12 and 10.

They married one year later.

Mr. Cleere, vice president of Seabury & Smith, a division of Marsh & McLennan, was in New York Sept. 11 for a meeting at the insurance brokerage firm on the 96th floor of 1 World Trade Center. Mr. Cleere, 55, was across the street at the Marriott Hotel when the first plane struck the north tower. He called his wife at their home in Newton, Iowa. They were on the phone when the second plane struck the south tower.

"He said he was O.K. and would be coming home," said Jean Cleere. "That was our last conversation."

Mrs. Cleere says her husband was a man of faith. "He had a deep, rich baritone and sang all the time," she said, mostly the old- time hymns.

She loved that voice of his. That’s why she hasn’t changed her answering machine tape. It has Mr. Cleere’s voice on it.

Copyright (c) 2001 by The New York Times Co. Reprinted by permission.
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You were such a great man. Jim was the telephone man at MARSH. He NEVER judge anyone and talked to everyone. 10 years ago, I kept calling Rosie Greene, his side kick, and asking if he had been located. Saden by the outcome - why do these things happen to such wonderful people? My thoughts are going out to Jean, this day!!
Teresa Algreen, Colleague
Sep 11 2011 6:43PM
I knew Jim as a man of great skill, caring and humanity. He has lived on in our hearts and minds as an example of a good man.
Joel Kitch, Colleague
Sep 7 2011 4:11PM
Jim adored his wife and family. He was incredibly kind and supportive to his colleagues and friends. We were blessed to have known him. "Scrutch"
Jan Scrutchfield, Friend
Sep 2 2011 1:21PM
Hello everyone ! I have never had the pleasure to meet some of you that had known and worked with my father Jim Cleere let me introduce myself. My Name is Scott, I am the Oldest of two Sons of Jim my younger brother is Jeff and some may or heard of Rhonda dads step daughter and Jean of course. I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all you do and continue to do to this day. I miss Dad very much. I you would like to contact me for anything I can be reached at scleere1@verizon.net I also have a page on Facebook or 727-528-9696 BTW Don't you all miss dad in the Dress ! I have the Video of that moment

I only wish I could be there for the Tenth Anniversary but, I'm still in the process of finding work in St. Pete Fla. unemployed going on Nine Months now...

Scott Cleere, Family
Aug 30 2011 5:30PM
Jim was the voice of KVI. He lives on in our hearts and memory. He loved to sing, entertain and act. He was consummate professional and is largely responsible for our successful call center operations. People, telephony and technology were his specialties. He showed us how to be the best in all aspects of life. Thanks Jim!
Anne Bushore, Colleague
Aug 30 2011 10:36AM
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