James McCloy

James Elwood McCloy, age 88, passed away peacefully at Licking Memorial Hospital’s Hospice Facility on Thursday September 24, 2015. Preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Mary (Fraley) McCloy, sisters, Katherine McCloy, Grace McCloy, Martha Reed and son James J. McCloy. Jim was born on November 26, 1926 in Bellaire, Ohio, and attended Bellaire High School where he excelled in math as well as on the gridiron. In 1943, Jim joined the Navy where he served for four years with distinction in both the North Atlantic and Pacific theatres of war. While serving on both fronts of World War II, Jim earned the Asiatic-Pacific medal, American Area Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. In 1946, Jim served as a member of both the Able and Baker initiatives within Operation Crossroads, which was the United States nuclear bomb tests on Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. In 1947, Jim joined the Army where he served as a parachutist and a C.I.S. for five years, earning the rank of Corporal and distinguishing himself during the Korean Conflict where he was honored with the Bronze Star for heroic achievement, along with the Korean Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal. After returning home from his service in the military, Jim settled in Central Ohio, where he earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Franklin University. Following his graduation, Jim worked as a tool and die professional until his retirement in 1996. During his tool and die career, Jim founded and owned McCloy Tool and Die in Hilliard, Ohio. In addition to his machinist skills, Jim was also a master woodworker, creating thousands of intricate, hand crafted pieces that displayed his unique talent for detail. Jim was an active member of several organizations including, the Atomic Veterans Association, the VFW (Post 4931), the American Legion (Post 614, where he served as their former Commander) and the Forty & Eight, where he served as their former Chef de Gare, Voiture Nationale. Jim was also a wonderful and loving family man who will be sadly missed by those surviving him including his wife of 38 years, Betty; daughters Debbie (Rich) Leonardo; Lois (Benny) Payne; and Mary Jones. Sons; Brian (Mary) McCloy and Gary McCloy. Many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and close, lifelong friends. Friends may call Monday, September 28, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026, with a Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Graveside Funeral Service and burial at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, 3225 Dublin Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. Pastor Danny Vanscoy, Presider. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Hospice of Central Ohio.