James McClatchy

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James Howard McClatchy, better known as Jim or “Mac”, passed away on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at his home in Wyoming, Michigan. After receiving a prayer from his Pastor and friend, Powers Payton, Jim left this earth peacefully with his wife and best friend, Edie, at his side.

Jim was born in Augusta, Georgia on November 8, 1942, where he enjoyed a wonderful childhood at his Grandpapa’s nursery. Fruitland Nursery was across the street from the Augusta National Golf Club which was so fitting because of his love of the game of golf. He could share story after story of the “adventures” with his golfing buddies.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963 and spent some time in Alaska as a game warden, along with his naval duties. Although he originally could not understand why they’d send a Georgia boy to Alaska, he grew to love Alaska and fondly remembered the friends and experiences he had while there. He continued showing his pride for his service and this country by always displaying multiple flags inside and outside his home.

After his service in the Navy, Jim went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at August College and his master’s degree from American University. He had a successful career in the corporate sector that took him to multiple locations and ultimately to Wyoming, Michigan where he spent his retirement years enjoying time with family and friends.

Jim is probably now doing all the things he loves, like throwing a party, doing the two-step as he were back in Texas where he taught his daughters to step with the best of them, belly laughing with his wife, smoking a cigar, playing his harmonica, drinking a tumbler of “Johnny Blue”, and playing a round of golf with whomever wants to play.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Edie; daughters, Melinda (Billy) Culpepper, Rhonda (Jay) Frank, Cindy Willson, Emily (Shay Davis) Lenning; stepson, Chris (Jessica) Charles; sisters, Sharon (Carter) Rockholt-Stanfield, Linda (Ramsey) Hawkins, Linda (Helen Turner) McClatchy, Gail Wooddall, Sharon (John) Kane; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his sweet mom, Carrie Rockholt; his two dad, Preston Rockholt and Howard McClatchy; and his brother, Robert Rockholt, all of whom he was looking forward to being reunited with.

Jim requested that his service be filled with laughter and not tears, unless the tears are tears of laughter, loving memories, and support for one another until he sees everybody again.

Be a part of Jim’s Celebration of Life on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Chapel Pointe Byron Center, 6252 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. Visitation will be held from 5-6 pm, followed by guests’ entrance led by a bagpipe performance, remarks by Pastor Payton, sharing of memories, flag ceremony and presentation, guests led out with bagpipes, military salute and Taps. Any donations may be made to your favorite veteran’s organization in Jim’s name. You will be missed my love…Edie