James Merl McClure
October 11, 1924 ~ February 22, 2012
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
James Merl 'Mac' McClure, 87, went to dance and yodel with Jesus on Feb. 22, 2012.
He was born Oct. 11, 1924, in Port Blakely, Wash. He lived in Kansas and Oklahoma as a child and moved to Colorado when he was 17 to begin his career at CF&I as a crane operator. He met his beautiful, young wife, Mary Connor, in 1950. They married April 27, 1952, and began their lives together on a farm near Boone. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and bowling with friends and family. Jim has delivered the newspaper for The Pueblo Chieftain for 40 plus years, and never a discount. He retired in 1982 from CF&I, after 41 years of loyal service.
Mac was preceded in death by his father, Merl (Juanita); mother, Anna (Larry) Ross; brother, Robert; in-laws, Tom and Grace Connor; daughter, Grace (Dave) Faix; son, John McClure; daughter, Darlene (Karl) Hoyt; son-in-law, Bob Mellon; and twin grandsons, Thomas and Patrick McClure.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 60 years, Mary; his children, Mary (Herman) Catron, Patricia (Mike) Taylor, James (Sandy) McClure, Thomas McClure, Melody (Kevin) Watkins, Daniel McClure, Jonna McClure, Cheri (Doug) Niccoli and Velvet (Bob) Serena.
Mac was a patient and caring father of his own 11 children, however, was called upon to step in as daddy to many of his grandchildren as well. Rochelle, Brad, Jason, Vickiy, Paul, John, Sarah, Esther, Jennifer, Michelle, Patricia, Shawntelle, Tiffany, Jim, Tracy, Crystal, Tiffany, Christmas, Tommy, Amanda, Timmy, Josh, Patrick, Kristopher, Karl, Chad, Zach, Craig, Danielle, Johnie, Joan, Yolanda, Zachary, Matt, Justin, Sammy, Noah, Buddie, Connor, Robert, Allen, Cameron, Alisha and John. 39 great-grandchildren and expecting three more. Also survived by numerous sisters-and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Visitation from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Funeral service, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, at Lynn Gardens Baptist Church, 3804 W. Pueblo Blvd. Interment, Imperial Memorial Gardens. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Daddy, please give my Momma lots of hugs & kisses for me. She cut her ties here with us just a few weeks ago (Aug 2, 2021 @ 5:17am) and I miss you both so much. I know that you and Momma are up in Heaven right now having the greatest time together laughing and hugging and carrying on big time – with my husband, Michael and my siblings – Grace, Mary, Darlene & John and your brother Robert . . . bowling, teasing each other & laughing; making all the other angels up there wonder who that new young & beautiful Angel is that just strolled in, with not a care in the world, acting like she owned the place; ready to cause some raucous . . . no one is off target for her teasing & joking & orneriness. I love you my beautiful family – thank you for letting Momma stay with us a few years longer; so glad you’re all together now.
It was a privilege for me and my son to meet him when visiting in the hospital. His son Tom has been a reliable mechanic for my family. My son and I know he loved his wife Mary much!
We will miss him. Such a nice person to chat with on his early morning route. We hold you all in our prayers.
I bowled with Jim and Bob on a senior league. They were very good bowlers. I got to know his very large happy family bowling with them at Sunset Lanes and got better acquainted with Mary and the girls at Extension Homemakers Club. They always did everything together. What a wonderful testament to the way they were raised. So sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him.
I am so fortunate to be apart of the McClure family. Papa will always be remembered in my and Zachary’s heart as a wonderful father in law and grandpa. It is not good bye simply that we will see you when GOD calls us home. We love you papa.
Always enjoyed Jim’s company wherever we met, whether at bowling, at parties or wherever. He will be greatly missed. Best wishes always.