McClelland – James Peter McClelland of Brooks, Alberta, has passed away at the age of 72 years. On Wednesday, November 11, Jim lost his fight against cancer with his loving wife of 20 years, Mickey, by his side. Jim was born in Brooks on June 12, 1948 to Agatha and Robert McClelland. Jim has an older brother Stuart (Sarah) McClelland who resides in Australia, a twin sister Joan Speir living in Calgary, a younger sister Kathleen McClelland who had passed away on December 25, 2019 and a brother-in-law Duane Speir. Jim leaves behind his children Brad McClelland, Scott (Kim) McClelland, and Jody-Lee McClelland-Crust and his stepchildren Cyndy (Robert) Breakell, Kim (Lyle) Seely and Jody (Tom) Trembecki. Jim was also rich in grandchildren and memories of Poppa Jim will be cherished forever; Amy, James, Logan, David, Ty, Kyle, Dylan, Ethan and Evan. Jim had numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Jim’s “boys” Patrick and Mynu are grieving the loss as well. Jim and his first wife, Patsy, raised their three young children in Tilley, AB. Jim had a successful career as a journeyman welder, his business, JP Welding, was located in Tilley and he was well known for his distinct yellow 72 Ford welding truck. Jim was involved in the Tilley community serving as a volunteer fireman, playing slow pitch and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim was always lending a hand to whoever needed it and conversing with his many friends. Jim was an honest, caring, funny, hard-working and loving husband and father who loved to live life and all its adventures. Jim became the “cool Dad” after his repeated volunteering to chaperone Jody-Lee’s school ski trips as he “helped” them sneak into the hot tub and pool. Jim created some of the best memories for his young kids with the family camping trips and exploring the uniqueness of every place they went. His touring of the country-side, after his kids had grown, started with a Honda Goldwing and then progressed to driving his “little piece of s**t” around town to finally getting around town on his beloved scooter, watching the trains and ensuring the town was running smoothly. He continued to love camping during the summer and it was well known that any trip that would take someone an hour would take Jim and Mickey 6 hours due to all the detours! Jim was incredibly talented with woodworking and his children and grandchildren would all look forward to receiving his completed projects, everything from wooden rocking horses to fold up camping tables. Poppa Jim would start his day on his “puter” playing games and watching YouTube videos and was famous for his afternoon naps, in his recliner watching old western movies with the volume up high! James Peter McClelland filled his family and friends life with love and compassion and his passing is deeply felt by all who knew him. Jim’s family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and nurses that helped Jim through this and for their compassion towards him and the family. Anyone that wishes may make a donation to their preferred charity in memory of Jim. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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