James Earl McClelland Jr.

James Earl McClelland Jr., 85, of Colorado Springs passed away April 6, 2012, at his home in Winslow Court. Jim loved the time he spent there, had acquired many close friendships, and was loved by many.

Jim was born June 7, 1926, in Boulder, CO, to the late James E. and Naomi (Pohlson) McClelland. He was a graduate of Peyton High School. After school, he served in the Army. He married Eleanor Cummings on April 21, 1946, in Colorado Springs and started a dairy on the McClelland ranch seven miles west of Calhan. In 1952, they moved to Colorado Springs where Jim worked for Sinton Dairy. In 1959, they moved back to the ranch where Jim resumed the dairy business which became known as Jim’s Dairy Farm. He served on the Peyton School board for several years and was a member of the East United Methodist Church in Colorado Springs. They sold the dairy and moved back to Colorado Springs in 1984, where Jim sold mobile homes. In 1989, he started working for Ed Bozarth, where he was a valued employee until his retirement.

Jim is survived by his wife and his three sons, Martin (Estella Pacheco) of Pueblo, Darrell (Linda Ishmael) of Falcon, and Shane (Robin Bevans) of Manitou Springs. He has six grandchildren; Tami (Troy) Gavin of Pueblo, Jason McClelland of Pueblo, Tina (Ed) Glaser of Calhan, Michelle (Chris) Selle of Limon, Taylor McClelland of Colorado Springs, and Jordan (Heather) McClelland of Anchorage, Alaska. Jim has nine great-grandchildren: Brittani and Bella McClelland; Ty and Dylan Gavin; Eddie, Logan, and Patrick Glaser; and Ainsley and Adison Selle. He is also survived by his sister, Joy Nickle, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister (Winnie Miller).

Memorial service will be held Saturday, April 14, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Living Word Church in Calhan with Pastor Rick Cofer officiating. Pallbearers for the service will be Troy Gavin, Jason McClelland, Ed Glaser, Chris Selle, Taylor McClelland, and Jordan McClelland. Presentation of the Armed Services Flag will be to his three sons by Airman First Class Jordan McClelland. Cremation will be handled by Swan-Law, and Jim’s ashes will be spread at his ranch in honor of his request. Special thanks go to the church for providing lunch immediately following the service.