James “Jim” Edward McCleery
On the morning of June 8, 2016 Jim passed away peacefully of natural causes at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. Jim was 90 years old.
Jim McCleery was born in the town of Glasgow in Valley County, Montana on June 10, 1925. He was the fourth child and first son of Oral and Myrtle McCleery.
Jim learned his hard work ethic as a young boy and teenager while helping on the family farm. He liked sharing stories of milking the cows, mending fences and bailing hay in all kinds of weather. Jim began his military service at the age of 17 when he joined the Navy Sea-bees. He proudly served in World War II, visiting many countries including Scotland, France, Japan and others.
Upon returning from his military service, Jim married Dorothy DeLay. They were blessed with a daughter Gail in Glasgow, Montana. Jim and Dorothy divorced and remained close friends. In fact, one afternoon while out together, Dorothy pointed to Myrtle Sergent and said “That’s the girl for you”. Jim and Myrt began dating and married September 28, 1957. Jim was once again blessed with two additional daughters, Diane and Kathy. When asked if he wished he had a son, he would always reply with how lucky he was to be surrounded by all his “blonde girls”.
Jim had a long and fulfilling career with the Federal Government in many capacities. He worked at the airbase in Glasgow and the airbase in Great Falls and then returned to Fort Peck where he worked as the town policeman, keeping his teenage daughter and her friends in check. In 1976 the family relocated to Canyon Ferry Montana where Jim worked at the Canyon Ferry Dam until retirement in 1985. During that time, he made many wonderful friends, remaining close throughout his retirement years.
Activities that Jim enjoyed included panning for gold, hunting, hiking, and fast draw shooting. In his retirement years, Jim and Myrt traveled to Alaska and the Panama Canal taking cruises with friends. They also traveled often to Arizona, Nevada and New York to visit Kathy and Diane. As well as traveling home to Glasgow as often as possible to visit with Gail, their friends and other relatives.
Jim is survived by his wife Myrt McCleery. Daughters Gail Guenther (Glenn), Diane Althans (Bill) and Kathy Janus (Paul). Grandchildren Cara Llyod (Larry), Evan Guenther (Stacie), BJ Althans and Carl Althans (Kate). Great grandchildren Avery Althans, Reegan Althans, Brinley Althans and Declan Althans.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Rocky Mountain Care Center, 30 South Rodney Street, Helena. A celebration of Jim’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Friday June 10th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow the celebration in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow the reception at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Montana. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life Service
Friday June 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Friday June 10, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Ft. Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Friday June 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life Service
Friday June 10, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the Reception
Friday June 10, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Ft. Harrison, Montana
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Melissa Loy says
I have so many fond memories of Papa Jim – he has always been like a second father to me and I feel so blessed to have been part of his loving family and receiving his countless hugs and kisses! There is one memory in particular that always makes me giggle – (especially when I see other teenage drivers doing the same) as a teenager I was driving my little Mazda into town being followed by Jim as we were meeting up somewhere. When we got there he asked me if I was practicing lane changing because I couldn’t seem to make up my mind which lane I wanted to be in, either that or I was trying to ditch him! He always had a wonderful smile on his face and loved to tease us girls! And you could always count on him to just drop and start doing push ups – I’m pretty sure I saw that well into his 80s!! 🙂 My loving thoughts and prayers are with all of the family!!
Scott & Christel Dinges says
Myrt and family,
we’re so sorry to read about Jim’s passing. Oh boy, do we have memories of Jim. Always the great big smile. Waiting patiently in the sun, rain, or snow storm for his mail carrier to arrive. Didn’t want to move to town. Going with Myrt to the store, don’t forget the Viva 2% milk and give and get those hugs and kisses. Never wanted to wear his hearing aids. Jim you’re one of a kind.
We will greatly miss you. Hugs, kisses, and prayers to Myrt
Rob and Sherri Haller says
At least 30 years ago Jim made beautiful wall clocks out of tree trunks for members of the family. We have treasured ours all these years, it is beautiful. It certainly took on special meeting to us this week. Jim was a special man. We were privileged to be a part of his life. Love, Rob and Sherri Haller
Jack and Ruth ann Hatcher says
Myrt and family, Our heart felt condolences to you for your loss of Jim. I met Jim when I was just starting at Canyon Ferry as Jim’s replacement as he was pulling the pin for retirement. Jim was great guy and showed me the ropes as a plant mechanic. I will never forget how generous and kind he was to me as I began my career. Best wishes to you.
Rita McNees says
Myrt and family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time.Memories last forever. I’ll remember the times at Narff and sitting. At Karen’s house having coffee. Look up to the sky at nite and Jim will be looking down at you. May God bless. plan on seeing you at Narff one day. Rita
Lisa Wiltfong says
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I have so many fond memories of growing up in Fort Peck and being a small part of the McCleery family. My thoughts and prayers are with Myrt, Gail, Diane and Kathy.
Jason says
Hello friends and family, my name is Jason,
Once a week I would have the honor to be his personal care assistant. Even though it wasn’t that long of time I had with Jim and Mertie it was with great pleasure to help him in his final days. Even though it was very quick of his passing I still have tears every now and again. He was a great person with a big heart, offering to take me and my fiancé and his wife out to dinner, which we as caregivers couldn’t do. He touched my heart deep in side with his kindness and big heart. I wish I knew him years back. I’ve heard stories of him through his wife. I know I’m rambling. Jim I know you can see this, you were a great client, one fine day years from now I’ll see you again and maybe we could play cards, fish or just sit back in your favorite place in the woods in Heaven to gold pan or fish. See you on the other side my friend.
Reegan Althans says
hi I am Reegan Althans daughter of bj Althans and Lyndsay Althans I am currently 12 and didn’t git to know my grand father well but frome stories and old memories I know he is a grate human .