Jim McCleary

James Walker McCleary was born on September 9, 1910 in Whithorn, Scotland. He was the youngest of John and Helen (Walker) McCleary's five children, all of whom immigrated to the United States when Jim was three years old. His father had arrived in America two years earlier on the first ship to cross the Atlantic after the sinking of the Titanic. He prepared for the family to settle in Grand Rapids and opened a grocery store. At age eleven, Jim became a U.S. citizen, and at age thirteen he completed the 8th grade and went to work with his dad. This "apprenticeship" served him well when he later got a job at the A&P grocery.

The McCleary family attended the Swedish Mission Church, which later became the Evangelical Covenant Church. Jim was a faithful member and active in the men's Swedish Aid Society, which he served as treasurer. Jim was the kind of person who didn't so much talk about his faith - being rather quiet and reserved - but what he believed was evident from the way he lived.

Jim's life became all the richer when he met a young woman named Goldie. Their siblings were credited for introducing them to one another, and both families were blessed by the union of Jim and Goldie. Once married, the couple moved into her family home at 954 Tamarack NW, where they lived for the remainder of her life. Jim went to work with Waddell Manufacturing Company as a shipping clerk. His diligence in the shipping-receiving department served the company well for nearly 30 years, at which time Jim retired. When not on the job, Jim spent time working in and around the house, whether hanging wallpaper or tending his garden. He enjoyed being outdoors.

The great out-of-doors beckoned Jim and Goldie year by year as they took their three children on family vacations in northern Michigan. Every year the family spent one week in picturesque Mackinac City, crossing by ferry because there was no bridge at the time. This tradition was only interrupted when they went to Ohio to visit Goldie's family.

Such a pattern of living suited Jim and Goldie who both liked order and routine. Their way of doing things worked for them. It gave them a sense of stability that sustained Jim when his beloved Goldie passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. At that time, the family worried about Jim, but he carried on with his order of life and with the family traditions, like making Swedish meals on holidays.

Jim's life was significant to the family he loved. They treasured time spent with him and the humor that flowed from him. Whether joshing with his two sons or taking in a Tiger baseball game with his brothers-in-law, Jim found joy in living. He maintained his gratitude throughout the past three years when declining health moved him to the Christian Rest Home. Jim lived his long years of life with great dignity and purpose.

Mr. James W. McCleary, age 96 of Grand Rapids, passed away January 18, 2007. He was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie in 1981, by his son, James; his son-in-law Gordon VanKoevering; grand daughter Sari McCleary; brothers John, Bill and Bob McCleary; and sister Helen Nelson. He is survived by his children, Connie Van Koevering, Phil and Jan McCleary; daughter-in-law Sharon McCleary; 12 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews. Funeral and committal services will be held on Saturday, January 20 at 10:30 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel where relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family on Friday evening from 7-9 PM and on Saturday from 10 AM until the time of the service. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Christian Rest Home are appreciated.