Former Poulsbo resident Clayton E. Ham Jr. of Port Ludlow died of age-related causes March 18. He was 84.

He was born Sept. 20, 1924, in Charlottesville, Va., to Clayton E. Ham and Addie May Haynes.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Elaine Ham.

Ham served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the Korean War, during which he received a Purple Heart. After his military service, he worked as a carpenter while earning his teaching certification. Ham met and married his beloved wife Nancy Elaine Brown in Vancouver. They then settled in Poulsbo, where they raised their family and he taught biology at North Kitsap High School for 28 years, from 1960 through 1988. Before retiring from teaching they moved to Port Ludlow.

Ham was instrumental in founding the Marine Science Center, an education foundation for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Poulsbo. While retired, Ham enjoyed sailing, woodworking, reading and spending time with his wife and family.

He is survived by daughter Jennifer L. Depriest of Carlsbad, Calif.; son Cameron W. Ham (Michelle) of Port Ludlow; grandchildren Trevor and Amanda Depriest of Carlsbad and Chelsea and Seth Ham of Port Ludlow.

A guest book is available online at www.legacy.com. There will be no public memorial. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots www.toysfortots.org.