In Memory
James Elbert McClish
December 29, 1940 - March 4, 2024
James E. McClish, 83, of Osceola, Indiana entered into eternal rest with our Savior on Monday, March 4, 2024. James, known as JE as a child, called Jim by his friends, and later in life crowned with the title “Papaw” by his loving family, was a true man of faith, family, laughter, and love. He was born on Dec. 29, 1940 in Manila, Arkansas to Elvis Ray and Lucille M. McClish. His family moved to Indiana when he was a youngster and as a teenager he met the love of his life, Wanda Nard, through mutual acquaintances at church. Jim and Wanda were married on July 29, 1961 and shared 62 beautiful years together. It was a match made in Heaven, and a large, loving family will carry on the legacy he left behind.
Jim is survived by his wife Wanda McClish; daughters Brenda (Kim M.) Johnson, Beth Ann (Elvis) Evans, Belinda (Bill) Dean; siblings Nelson Wayne (Eddie Marie) McClish, Lynda (Robert) Wilemon, Sandra (Jack) Hatfield; grandchildren Dustin James (Kaila) Vargo, Brittany (Alissa) Wallace, Traci (Brad W.) Johnson, Jerracka McClish, Meagan McClish, Joseph Dean, Jarred McClish, Thomas James (Summer) Dean, Arianna McClish, Mikell Evans, Malcolm Evans; and great-grandchildren Sabrina Vargo, Avery Vargo, Sophia Vargo, Samantha Vargo, Austin James Vargo, Axel James McClish, Alexis Sorgenfrei, and arriving in May 2024, James Dean.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elvis and Lucille McClish; brother Eddie Ray McClish; son Brian James McClish; grandson Clayton Gard James McClish, and son-in-law Rick Johnson.
Jim worked hard for his family, often working two jobs to provide for them. He worked in a butcher shop as a teenager, in various manufacturing and laborer positions for many faithful years, and even found time to teach Sunday School. Church was important to him, and his children and grandchildren could always count on him to keep their attention during services with butterscotch Lifesavers.
He was a creative, smart, and funny man who always had a story to share, a fun tidbit about life, or a hilarious joke to spread the best medicine in the world — laughter. If you were blessed enough to spend time with him, you knew you would laugh until it hurt, laugh until you cried, and always felt better after moments together. If you stopped by to visit Jim and Wanda, you’d likely find some good southern food on the stove, and he would be sitting in his self-created “time-out room” watching YouTube videos of horses and loggers. And of course, if there were TV shows or movies playing, they were Westerns. Even in spite of many health challenges in recent years, you could always find him there — with a smile on his face. When anyone asked how he was doing, no matter the circumstances, you’d always hear the same hearty response of “FAN-tastic!"
Faith in God and love for family were the two pillars of Jim’s life. He did not waver in either of these endeavors, and leaves behind a legacy and example that will carry on for generations to come. He was a simple, genuine man who treated his wife as good as anyone could be treated, and provided for his beloved children as a devoted and present father, and created lifelong memories with all who knew him as Papaw.
Our separation and grief here and now is tremendous, but our eternal reward and reunion to come will be worth it all. Until then, all who knew James…JE…Jim…Dad...Papaw...will remember the countless good times and cry, smile, and laugh.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to South Side General Baptist Church.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy., Osceola, Indiana 46561. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2 PM, at South Side General Baptist Church, 1615 South Springs St., Mishawaka, Indiana 46544 with entombment to follow.
3/08/2024 djb
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