James "Jim" Cleary

Cleary, James "Jim"

went home to his Creator and Savior on February 2, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. His grieving family are finding joy in knowing he loved our Lord and will find peace in His presence.

Jim was born in Bay City Michigan to Jerry and Eleanor Cleary in 1945. He was educated at St. James High School and Ferris University in Michigan where he earned his BS in Business Administration. Shortly following college graduation Jim began his career in Public Administration with the Michigan State Government, the majority in senior management positions. He retired as Deputy Director for Environmental Protection in l992 moving to Florida to reunite with and marry his high school sweetheart Sue Gilbert Pringle. Jim was then tapped to serve as Assistant Director of the Florida Southwest District DEP from which he retired in 2006. Jim's heart was always in public service, and he served in multiple professional associations in his 40-year career including serving as Commissioner for Michigan Low-Level Radioactive Waste Authority, appointed by the Governor.

After retirement Jim and Sue split residency between Trinity Florida and Michigan, enjoying summers at Morrison Lake near Grand Rapids. Jim loved to hunt with family on the Eaton Rapids "Cleary Hunt Club" family farm. Jim loved the Michigan outdoors as well as his Florida community that became a second home for 34 years.

Jim was an avid follower of Michigan Sports teams, forever a Tigers, Lions, Red Wings and NASCAR fan. He loved to share the fact that he attended the first NFL Championship win for the Lions in l957 as a 12-year-old boy and never lost his enthusiasm for another win.

Jim and Sue shared a blended family of 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, all of whom survive them.

Trinity Memorial Gardens in Trinity, FL are handling arrangements. Funeral Services will be in Bay City, Michigan at Trahan Funeral Chapel, 256 N. Madison, on February 9, 2026.

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