Jim was born the son of William and Elizabeth (Benson) in Belfast, Northern Ireland, The United Kingdom of Great Britain. He grew up in Belfast and served as an apprentice in Harlan and Wolff Shipyard - a British shipbuilding and fabrication company. He met the love of his life Isabella Steed in eighth grade at Elm Grove Primary School. Jim had a dream to start a new life and immigrated to the United States of America in 1957. He served his new country by joining the US Air Force - becoming a US citizen, serving in California, Japan and Korea, in non-war times. His soon to be bride came to America and the two married on April 11, 1959. He was honorably discharged in 1963. Jim had a career as an international sales and marketing director for General Electric before running his own company, Sterling Supply. He was involved in mentoring young engineers, and serving on Rochester Community Schools Education Forum. Jim enjoyed supporting his British professional soccer teams and abundantly loved the game of golf! His love of traveling the world and a dance or two with his Belle was so very special to him. In their retirement, they enjoyed wintering in Florida and then summering in their home in Rochester, Michigan. Jim loved time with his family and watching them grow…Children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, most often, enjoyed, listening to his life’s journey and the years of the Lord‘s direction within his life.
He called Woodside Bible Church is home for over 51 years. His involvement was serving as a deacon, participating in men’s and group Bible studies - he sure loved the Faithful Friends Fellowship Group. Jim had a personal relationship with Jesus and was committed to his faith – it was the central part of his life’s message.
Jim is survived by his wife, Isabella; children, Kevan (Carolyn) Johnston, Kelly (Jim) McClelland; Grandchildren; Andrew (Hannah) McClelland, Julie (fiancé, Greg Reilinger) McClelland, Dana Johnston, Darcy Johnston, and Great-grandchildren, Riley, Wyatt, and Sawyer McClelland. He has extended family in Northern Ireland. Jim is pre-deceased by his parents and four siblings.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM at Woodside Bible Church, located 6600 Rochester Rd., Troy, Michigan. Interment will be on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 11 AM at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be in Jim’s honor to:
All Worthy of Love, 2844 Livernois Rd. unit 99124 Troy, MI 48099, www.all worthyof love.org
