James E. McCleary

James E. McCleary, 61, of Cresco lost his battle with lung cancer Friday evening, Aug. 6, in his home. He was the husband of Donna (Ayers) McCleary with whom he had celebrated 38 years of marriage.

Born on June 19, 1943, in East Stroudsburg, he was the son of Marion E. (Smith) McCleary of Brookmont Health Care Center in Effort and the late John Edward McCleary.

A graduate of Barrett School, he was employed as the automotive department manager at Sears in Stroudsburg until his retirement 11 years ago. After his retirement, he had enjoyed his work mowing the golf courses at Skytop and most recently at Buck Hill Falls. He was also a part-time police officer in Barrett Township for several years.

Aside from three years in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Monmouth, N.J., as an electronics instructor, he lived in Barrett Township until moving to Paradise Township 30 years ago. He enjoyed traveling, camping and anything he did with his family.

As his boys grew, he was involved in Little League and Boy Scouts, and was instrumental in starting and Explorer Post with the Barrett Township Fire Company. He was a member of the Barrett Township Volunteer Fire Department for 38 years, where he served in several capacities, including chief and assistant chief for a total of nine years. He was also a member of the Phoenix Fire Company, Stroudsburg Fire Department and had helped run the fry booth at the Mount Pocono Volunteer Fire Company Carnival.

Jim was a member of the Mount Pocono United Methodist Church; was a past member of the Barrett Township Ambulance Corps, serving in various capacities including president and crew chief; and belonged to the Poplar Swamp Hunting Camp in Paradise and the White Oak Hill Rod and Gun Club.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his two sons, Bryan and his wife, Heather, and their children, Kirk and Cody, of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and Bryce and his wife, Michelle, and their children, Trevor, Ean, Eryn and Madison, of Spokane, Wash.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, in the William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main St., Stroudsburg with the Rev. E.T. Holland officiating. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery, Mountainhome.

Visitation will be held from noon until the time of service Thursday, Aug. 12, at the funeral home.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Cancer Center, 1000 E. Mountain Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 or to the Barrett Township Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 1, Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323.