John R. McCloy

Beloved husband, father and friend, John (“Jim”) R. McCloy, 82, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023, after a brief illness. Born on November 8, 1940, in Flint, Michigan, he was the son of the late Kenneth E. McCloy and Vivian L. Burns and the stepson of Robert J. Burns. Through all of life’s ups and downs, he was the loving and devoted husband of Sandra K. McCloy for 63 years.

From an early age John had a strong work ethic working summers at various family businesses including McCloy Paper & Stationary Company and Tri-City Motor Speedway before joining the Army to serve his country. John began his working career serving as a Private First Class (PFC) in the US Army assigned to the Transportation Motor Pool, earning numerous awards and commendations for exemplary service. He served his country with immense pride. After leaving the military, he began a career in sales at Sears Roebuck & Co. and later for Nationwide Insurance opening the doors to the McCloy Insurance Agency and working tirelessly as an agent to provide personalized service for 33 years until his retirement. During that time, he was instrumental as co-founder in creating NIICA (an Independent Agent’s Association) and served as its President for several years.

John was quietly generous and helped many people that he encountered during his daily activities, always putting the needs of others before his own. In addition, he was very service-oriented and was a long-time member of the Herndon and South Riding VA Lions Clubs and was honored as an Outstanding Volunteer by the town of Herndon VA for his service. After moving to Longs SC, he was a member of the North Myrtle Beach SC Lions Club, the Little River SC Elks Lodge 2840, and the Calabash NC American Legion Post 503. John was also an avid golfer for many years, playing both socially and in local tournaments in the Myrtle Beach area.

John was a loyal friend to many and his passion and integrity to those he loved was unwavering even though he did not always outwardly express his emotions in words. He believed in the importance of a strong work ethic, playing by the rules, fighting for what was right even if it was detrimental to him personally and always being on time which meant being early. He was an excellent provider for and protector of his family, never leaving them wanting for anything. He often enjoyed riding with his dogs in his golf cart, lap time and sharing his breakfast honey bun with them each morning as they patiently waited at his feet.

In addition to his wife Sandy, John is survived by his two daughters, Monica McCloy (Front Royal VA) and Tracey McCloy (Ocean Isle NC), his faithful and much-loved fur babies, Molly and Bella, his sister, Patricia Woodward (Ellisville MO), numerous nieces and nephews, and the Jackson children (goddaughter Stephanie, Trevor and Travis “Buster”) that he loved and treated like his own grandchildren throughout the years. He was preceded in death by Amie Holsinger, with whom he shared a special connection, loved, and considered her to be his third daughter.

John’s passing has left an unfillable gap in the hearts of his loved ones. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support and love will be forever engrained in all he knew. He left his mark on many and will be missed by all who had the privilege to cross paths and come to know and love him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to North Strand Helping Hand (NSHH) PO Box 115, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597, 843-399-0862 / northstrandhelpinghand.org. or Canine Companions – Southeast Region Training Center, 8150 Clarconia Ocoee Rd, Orlando FL 32818, 800-572-BARK(2275) / canine.org.

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