James Jay Cleary was born July 11, 1936 in New York City. In Jim’s youth, the family moved to Ridgeway, Virginia where he attended and played basketball for Drewry Mason High School. Upon graduation in 1954, he attended Elon University for one year followed by two years serving in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He then went to serve a short term in the US Army at Fort Jackson, where he excelled and was recognized as the Regimental Commander’s Orderly.
After serving, upon returning home his friends hosted a going away party for him when he began his 40+ year career as a furniture manufacturer’s representative. A mutual friend brought along Sylvia Bondurant from Snow Creek, VA and they instantly fell in love and began a 61year journey of love and devotion.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, William Flake Cleary, Nancy Mecum Cleary and his brother William (Bill) Cleary. He is survived by his wife Sylvia Bondurant Cleary, two kids, Blake (Susan) Cleary, Beth (Peter) Anspach, five grandchildren; Ian Anspach, Ryan Cleary, Matthew Cleary, Molly Anspach, and Jennifer Cleary. He is also survived by his siblings, Marcia Lawson, Patricia Morrison, his brother Robert Cleary, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral home at 109 Broad Street, Martinsville, VA 24112 on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Visitation 11-12, service 12-1, interment immediately following at Roselawn Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
