James Garfield McClure

James Garfield McClure passed away at the age of 90 on Sunday, June 16, with his wife and children at his bedside.

Jim was born in Tango, WV in Lincoln County on February 19, 1934 to Lawrence and Ival McClure. He enjoyed his youth in Danville, WV growing up with an older sister and brother and two younger brothers and a sister. Jim was the ultimate prankster with a great sense of humor. During the last 12 months, Jim was grieved to lose his older sister, Levana Griffith, from Barboursville, his older brother, Owen McClure from Dover, OH and his younger sister, Eloise McClure from Bunnell, FL. He is survived by his younger brothers, Clinton McClure (Joyce) of Merritt Island, FL and Carl Ray McClure (Mary Jo) of Warner Robins, GA.

Jim graduated from Scott high school in Madison, WV in 1953, and attended West Virginia Institute of Technology. During his school years, he fell in love with Gloria Halstead and they married in 1953. On April 2, 2024 they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Jim and Gloria made their home in Kenova, WV where they raised five daughters: Pamela Smith, (Buddy) of Lynchburg, VA; Theresa Nelson (David) of Edmond, OK; Kimberly Woods (Jim) and Karen Campbell (Mark) all of Ocala, FL; and Candie Lively (Danielle) of Ashland, KY. 

Jim is also survived by 11 grandchildren whom he guided, trained, chastened, and entertained with the craziest antics and most amazing love for each one: Nicole Burton (Jon Boso) of Charleston, WV; Chelsea Piechowski (Brett) of Lynchburg, VA; Tyler Nelson (Anna) of Van Nuys, CA; Kia Nelson of NYC; Tait Nelson of Austin, TX; Cade Nelson of Edmond, OK; David Woods (Kristy) of Naples, FL; Chris Woods of Morgantown, WV; Matthew Campbell (Jessica) of Ironton, OH; Holly Boyes (Jared Chapman ) of Ona, WV; Craig Armstrong (Megan Jumper) of Huntington, WV ; and was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Kaitlin Campbell. Jim is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, as well as countless extended family who loved him dearly.

Jim worked and volunteered at many things throughout his life. He advanced his career at Aristech Chemical company in Neal, WV and retired in a supervisory position. Jim volunteered his time with school organizations as his children advanced through the CK area schools, volunteered at the local food pantry, gave many hours of work at Kenova City Hall, working on storm water projects and other council agenda. He was awarded Citizen of the Year and was honored to be inducted into the Kenova Hall of Fame. Jim spent countless hours on spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through his teaching, visiting, comforting, and contacting during his lifetime of faithful service to God in the Church Of Christ.

At a very young age, Jim developed a fascination for all things mechanical, which lasted his whole life. He studied engineering in college, and always desired to pilot aircraft, but due to vision problems from birth was unable to fulfill that dream. He insisted on repairing every broken item when replacing it would’ve been more convenient. He worked on patents for his projects throughout his lifetime. He spent months every year developing the ideal toilet/shower/bedding/food storage systems in preparation for opening of deer season. After retirement he enjoyed woodworking in his workshop and watched endless hours of U-Tube videos on how things work and discussed logical repairs with all who would listen.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He loved being in those West Virginia Hills – walking, camping, fishing, hunting, and playing pranks on his friends. Jim traveled out west several times to walk the vast open spaces and mountain ranges. He felt very close to God, surrounded by God’s glorious creation.

As Jim’s health declined he always rallied with the most amazing grace, bravery, and strength. Everyone who knew Jim knew that he was an extremely kind, loving, and peaceful person who loved his God, his family, and his church very much. While we lost a devoted spouse and beloved dad, many have lost a leader, helper, friend, and loved one in him. Join our family on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 1:00 PM for a visitation and funeral service at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV. (439 Phipps Ave. Danville, WV). Nathanael Dolin and Wendell Hill from the Foster Church of Christ will officiate. Burial will follow in the family cemetery.