Jimmy Dale McClure

Jimmy Dale McClure, age 80, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Jimmy was born on August 22, 1944, in Stratford, Oklahoma, to Elma Marie Tyson and Dick McClure, both of whom preceded their son in passing. Jimmy spend his early years in Oklahoma before his family moved to Arizona in his youth.He was a proud member of Chickasaw Indian Nation of Oklahoma. He is further preceded in passing by his brother Bob McClure, brother in law Larry Shelman, niece Phyllis Quirk, and his first wife Donna Mae Bone McClure.

Jimmy graduated from Morenci High School, in Morenci, Arizona in 1962, after which he attended Pima Community College. In high school, Jimmy worked on the Anchor Ranch on Eagle Creek.

Jimmy joined the United States Army, and valiantly served his country. He was in the Special Forces and the First Calvary. He saw action in the Vietnam War, and when back in the United States, he was sent to help control the 1967 Detroit riot. Jimmy belonged to the Chickasaw Warrior Society which honors and supports veterans while personifying the Chickasaw Warrior Spirit.

Returning to the workforce following an honorable discharge, Jimmy worked in the grocery industry, before he was hired by the DuVal Mine, near Tucson and a part of the Pennzoil company. The mine changed hands through Cyprus, Phelps Dodge, and finally Freeport MacMoran. Jimmy worked in this collection of companies for well over 40 years. He worked first as a welder, and then spent many years as the Overland Supervisor for the mine. He supervised many young men and women with whom he forged strong bonds, acting as both supervisor and mentor. Following his marriage to Susan, in 2008, Jimmy joined the management of Lazy S Willcox, LLC. He was responsible for maintenance projects, particularly projects that were funded by the National Resources Conservation Service.

Outside of his professional career, Jimmy was an avid horseman, and he worked on the ranch roundups and cattle working days. He also participated in ranch workings on other friends' ranches. He rode a 17 hand Missouri Fox Trotter named JAZZPER. He was endlessly fond of his canine family members Nellie Bly, Doc Holliday and Katie Elder. Jimmy also served as a safety instructor for Arizona Fish and Game.

Jimmy was a member of First Southern Baptist in Willcox, and a member of Casas Adobes Baptist Church for 30 years before his marriage to Susan. He was a deacon and worked with the high school program. Jimmy helped to transport the students to retreats and conferences, and counseled the students. He was a member of Promise Keepers.

Jimmy is survived by his second wife Susan McClure; sons Eddie McClure (wife Natalie and daughter Ellie Mae), Greg McClure, and James (Jacob) McClure (wife Gabrielle McClure and daughter Jaycee Layne); daughter Darlene Lynnell McClure and son Tyrell Potter; sister Betty Shelman; sister in law Frances McClure; nephews Steven (Wife Alisa) and Richard (Kim) McClure; niece Jody Tulk (husband Jay and children Khylee, Zoey, and Bayleigh, and son Jerry); nephews Chad and Kyle Bone; great nephew Blake Busey (wife Jen and daughter Emma), and great nephew Dean Hiser.