ELIOT- James O. (Jim) McClelland, husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and enduring friend, died at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Scarborough, Maine on October 12, 2023 after a prolonged period of decline. He was 81 years young at heart. Jim will long be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a mischievous personality and notable sense of humor who was often determined to bring a smile to your face. He had the ability to love unconditionally and seek the good in those he encountered. Jim was blessed with the capacity to develop new friendships while maintaining other friendships that have endured across the better part of his lifetime.
Jim was a patient husband who loved a good adventure as well as the opportunity to putter in his yard. He worked hard to be a kind, understanding and caring parent. Over time he came to love his eventual role as grandparent. He took great pride in his children and his two granddaughters who made his heart sing. With his warm manner and willingness to be playful, Jim created special bonds with his nephew and his late brother-in-law. He shared many "memorable adventures" with these two fine men. Known to be a dedicated sports enthusiast, Jim loved playing many sports as a young man and the game of golf eventually became a favorite. Despite being a long time resident of New England, he had the courage to maintain his allegiance to the NY Yankees well into older age.
Preceded in death by his late wife Diane (Creeden) with whom he shared the same birthdate as well as an almost 30 year loving marriage and his older brother Pete, Jim is survived by his dedicated wife Mary Hogan, son Frederick J. McClelland, daughter Jennifer (Trish Jerrick) McClelland, granddaughters Diana and Sophie Jerrick-McClelland, brother Jon (Mae) McClelland, sister Susan Keating (Jeff), sister Carol Dopp and brother David McClelland.
Family is especially appreciative of Jim's compassionate caregivers who provided him the support, comfort and attention that he needed and the laughter that he so enjoyed up until the end of his life.
In the past Jim spent countless hours sitting on very small chairs and coloring in the Hampton Public Library, Hampton, NH as he attended story time with his granddaughters. Donations may be made to the Hampton Library in his memory, to a Special Needs organization of your choice or to Hospice of Southern Maine.
Friends are invited to join Jim’s family for a celebration of his life at South Church UU, 292 State Street, Portsmouth, NH on Saturday December 9, 2023 at 10:00 A.M.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
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