JAMES K. LeCLAIRE's Obituary
JAMES K. “JIM” LeCLAIRE, 68, of L’Anse, MI. passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2005 at Marquette General Hospital following a brief illness. He was born in Baraga, MI. on February 5, 1937 son of the late Melford and Rita (Miron) LeClaire. Jim attended Baraga Schools, he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was a former member of the Michigan National Guard. On November 7, 1959 he married the former Carol Everson at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Baraga. Jim worked for Lindberg and Son Construction Company as a heavy machine operator for over 20 years. Most recently he was employed by the Baraga County Road Commission as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 2000 after 30 years service. Jim was a quiet man, a devote Christian who enjoyed helping others without seeking recognition. He loved his family and was a proud grandfather. Jim was a regular blood donor, enjoyed fishing, boating, tending to his tomato garden, putzing around the house, 4-wheeling, and making wood. He was always willing to help his family with their repair jobs.
Mr. LeClaire is survived by his loving wife, Carol; children, Debbie (Bill) Hermann of Sarasota, FL., Donna (Ken) Harju/LeClaire of Big Bay, MI., and Jay (Kathleen) LeClaire of L’Anse; grandchildren, Jeff, Jamie, Joey and David; brothers, Leonard, Doug and Paul LeClaire all of Baraga; sisters, Mary (Gary) Glover of Chicago, Kats (Lance) Heikkinen of Baraga, Carol Jean Hamacher of Norway, MI. , Lorraine (Raymond) Maki of Baraga, and Joanne LeClaire of Baraga. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his sister, Charlene and his brothers, Pete and Joseph.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2005 from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L’Anse with Father George Maki, Celebrant. The family received friends on Thursday, June 2, 2005 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse. A parish prayer service was held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the funeral chapel. Interment took place in the Evergreen Cemetery, L’Anse. The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with arrangements
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