Jay James McClelland, 84, passed away with his wife and children by his side on August 3, 2019, in his home in Thatcher, Arizona.
Jay was born in Reserve, New Mexico, to William B. and Willamae Clark McClelland on May 24, 1935. He married Opal Charlene Deshazer on June 20, 1953, in Phoenix, Arizona. Jay worked as a drywall finisher and, the last 30 years of his career, he was a Superintendent for Pacific Partitions in Seattle, Washington. He was a veteran and served in the United States Army in Germany from 1957 to 1959. Jay was active in his church.
Jay was preceded in death by: his parents, William and Willamae.
Jay is survived by: his wife, Opal; daughter, Sandra Altenreid of Chino Valley, Arizona; son, Roger McClelland of Puyallup, Washington; son, Jeff McClelland of Bend, Oregon; son, Hollen McClelland of Moses Lake, Washington; sister, Marjorie Ann Parks of Billings, Montana; sister, Rosalie Pratt of Thatcher, Arizona; and brother, John McClelland of Monroe, Washington; granddaughter, April Wachter of Flagstaff, Arizona; grandsons, Brian Altenreid of Payson, Arizona, and Joshua McClelland of Stevensville, Maryland; and great-grandchildren, Jayden, Ashlynn, Cyris, Jonovan, Madigan, and Jack.
Jay was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a talented artist and singer, songwriter, and musician. He loved singing his gospel songs in church, and his songs have inspired and blessed countless people over the years. He loved football, going on long trail rides in the sand rail, and water skiing in his younger years. He was a gentle and kind man; he was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
The family of Jay McClelland wishes to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Batty, nurses: Sara, Joy, and Laura of Arizona Family Hospice, Reverend Johnny Wilson and members of the Real Life Community Church of the Nazarene, and friends and neighbors who have been so kind and supportive.
Memorial services for Jay will be conducted at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at Real Life Community Church of the Nazarene in Safford with the Reverend Johnny Wilson officiating.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
