James Clancy

James Clancy, aged 69, passed peacefully into eternal life on Saturday July 12, 2025, at his home in Dunedin with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 18, 1955, on the southside of Chicago to Eugene and Lorraine (Kammer) Clancy where he grew up in the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood. He graduated from St. Rita High School, class of '74, which ironically, he attended on a football scholarship. The Texas Rangers drafted him right out of high school with whom he spent 3 years in their minor league system. The Toronto Blue Jays took him in the 1976 expansion draft. He would go on to spend 12 years of his 15 year Major League career pitching for the Blue Jays. Among his many accomplishments, he was chosen to represent them in the 1982 All-Star game. Known as a workhorse in the Toronto rotation, it was said if you gave Jim the ball, he would pitch until his arm fell off. He could always be counted on to give his all, every time he took the mound. Jim signed with the Houston Astros in 1988 in a 3 year deal and was traded to Atlanta in 1991. He would finish out his career with the Braves in the '91 World Series, where he is credited with winning game 3 of Atlanta's first ever series win.

For a man who had such a long, impressive career in baseball, his humble nature kept him from ever tooting his own horn about all he had achieved. Truthfully, if someone didn't tell you what he had done for a living, you would never know. A very funny man of few words, but when he did say something it would be a doozy and you would just howl with laughter. He possessed the best booming laugh, and laugh he did, often and loud and always with a big smile on his face. His quiet, down-to-earth, kind and generous nature kept him close to home, be it Twin Lakes, WI or Dunedin, Fl. There, he loved to host his family and friends, where he could play his guitars, listen to his Beatles, watch a ball game, sit by a bonfire or watch a beautiful sunset. He enjoyed a good round of golf and loved the beach, but not going in the water past his knees.

Jim leaves to mourn his passing, his beloved wife Dawn, His sisters; Cathleen Szul, Maureen Hermanson, Patricia (Frank) Leonard, and Alison (Jimbo) Reddington and a brother Thomas (Terri). His children; Katie (Jim) Baker, Patrick (Tabitha), Karalyn (Matt) Mix, Shawna (Mike) Mang, Colleen (Jayce) Rhine and their mother Kathleen Clancy. Grandchildren; Ian, Mara Rose, Ryann, and Tara Clancy, Cleveland Baker, Jager, Jadin and Jerzi Mix, Scarlet and Kase Mang and Paisley, Veida, Leighton and Huckson Rhine. Father-in-law Ronald Barr and Brother-in-law Christopher Barr. Nephews; Rich, Beau, Dave, Nick, Mike, Eric, Guy, Frankie, Joe, Jason, Kevin and Jimmy. Nieces; Clancy, Cathleen, Amy, Jamie, Jenna, Sarah and Mary Kay and more cousins than I can count. I'm sure I missed someone, but it is a BIG family. Jim was predeceased by his parents, brother Kevin, sister Jeannie, grandsons Gideon and Vance Rhine, niece Kelly Leonard, Mother-in-law Sandra Barr and special friend Jack Casto. He will be missed forever by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in his name. There will also be a Celebration of Life in Chicago on August 23rd with details to follow.

With great love comes great grief...it is the price we must pay.