James LeClair

James D. LeClair, known as Jim to friends and family and known as Hacksaw to misbehaving co-workers, has passed away at the age of 84 years. He was diagnosed with cancer on December 31, 2018 and after a short battle departed to be with his Lord and Savior and other beloved family members and friends awaiting him in his Heavenly Home.

Jim came into this world on March 14, 1934 as the sixth sibling of eight brothers and sisters. He was raised in Marland, OK at the family homestead. Jim attended Tearney School in Bressie until the 8th grade, and was honored with the title of Valedictorian of Noble County. During recent family visits, his brother and sisters recalled that due to severe weather he was unable to make it to the county seat where he was scheduled to give his speech. On his way home, sloshing in the mud and rain he heard birds singing and remarked angrily “Dang birds, don’t they know how serious this is!”

He followed in his older brothers and sisters footsteps and left for Chilocco Indian school at the age of 12 where he spent the next several years of his life attending school and learning the welding trade until he graduated. This trade supported and carried him through his entire life until retirement. Attending Chilocco would be an experience that he and others in his family and circle of friends would claim shaped their lives. This group has gathered every year to celebrate their memories and lifelong friendships. The loss of their school mate will be felt far and wide.

After graduating Chilocco he made his way to Oregon where a few of his friends had moved in order to gain work. He quickly found good work and passed recreational time racing stock cars for a short period. After coming back to Oklahoma, Jim met and married his first wife and had three children.

Jim later met Hazel McCurry in Sulphur, OK. They dated for 3 years and married in 1976. Jim and Hazel settled in Oklahoma City in the home where they resided until he passed. They were married for 43 years and had a loving and unique relationship with one another. Jim loved to travel and he and Hazel have put in thousands of miles over the years making their way to places they wanted to see within the United States. They also shared a love for music and held a close relationship with singer Freddy Fender. Freddy stood as Jim’s Best Man at their wedding and they both traveled extensively for many years to make it to country music concerts all over the US. Jim and Hazel made memories of every moment they shared together and his love for Hazel and her well being was obvious up to the moment of his passing.

Jim had a love for family that was obvious within the first few minutes of talking to him. He had a pride for his loved ones and who they were as humans and of their accomplishments in life. He loved his children and grandchildren but his three great granddaughters were the apple of his eye. He couldn’t wait to spend time with them and share in their daily activities. He held on to memories and could recite stories with accurate recall and detail. In his last few weeks he sat in his recliner, mostly unable to share in the conversation, a smile on his face and eyes closed, loved ones surrounding him, visiting and laughing at stories until we could stand no more. At night he would say what a wonderful gift God was giving him to have these moments with his family.

Jim would do anything for anyone that was in need. Those that knew Jim, whether it was family or friends, likely have a story of their own to share about his care and generosity. Some family members say he was the template for social media and the weather app. He seemed to have fairly current knowledge of anything that was going on with the family. He kept up with where people were traveling and often made us aware of upcoming weather issues before we even got on the road.

Jim was a lifelong member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 344. His daughter credits the many funny stories and sometimes off color jokes to the time and relationships built with his brothers and co-workers in the union. They meant more to him than they likely know.

Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his father Charles E. LeClair, his mother Abbie M. LeClair, brother Jack LeClair, sister JoAnn LeClair, daughter Dyanna LeClair and grandson Jamie LeClair.

He is survived by his wife Hazel M. LeClair, son Tony LeClair, daughter Donna LeClair, granddaughter Darlena Macejewski, grandson Peter Macejewski, great granddaughters Taylor Brown, Katelyn Macejewski and Peyton Macejewski, brothers Charles LeClair and Bob Stigall, sisters Jean Fletchel, Geraldine Jefferson and Maxine Hall and many cousins, neices, nephews and loved ones.