MCCLESKEY, JR., JAMES MARVIN (JIM), age 75, of North Shelby County, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, September 15, 2010. He was born in Gadsden, Alabama, on December 19, 1934 and he enjoyed a close and loving relationship with his parents throughout their lives.
Jim graduated from Fairfield High School, where he was a four-sport letterman and captain of the football team. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia, while co-oping with U.S. Steel. He served in the U.S. Army as a drill sergeant at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, and Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. He retired from U.S. Steel after 45 years of service.
A faithful member and Deacon at Meadow Brook Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Jim enjoyed singing with the Sonshine Singers. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing and observing nature. His favorite activities included travel and spending time with family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife and best friend of almost 25 years, Marie Pledger McCleskey. She has been his most faithful companion and caregiver, especially in the last three months of his illness.
Survivors also include children, Mike McCleskey (Wendy) of Orlando, Florida, and Rev. Sally McCleskey Allocca, Renee Scotch (Andy), and Buddy Hassler (Beverly), all three of Birmingham; grandchildren, Torey McCleskey of Jacksonville, Florida, and Andrew, Daniel, Elizabeth, and Katherine Scotch, all of Birmingham, and Zachary and Holly Hassler, both of Birmingham; sister, Rebecca Clark of Birmingham; niece and nephews; and many friends.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2010 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Meadow Brook Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Kidney Foundation or Meadow Brook Baptist Church.
Many thanks to the caregivers, nurses, doctors and friends who filled Jim's last days with comfort and kindness. He will always be remembered as a kind and happy man.
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