Jim Clardy on a recent trip to China

He is remembered by friends and associates largely for his humanitarian efforts, including a 10-day trip to Moldova in 1992. Impressed by the craftsmanship of the Moldavian rug weavers, Clardy began to import their rugs for sale in the United States, at which time he founded 828 International. As the company grew, Clardy's travels led him around the world, including to Tibet, where he aided missionaries in the development of a rug factory.

Clardy is survived by his wife, Martha, and children, Caleb and Andrea.