James H.

McCleery

James H. McCleery, a resident of The Villages, Florida since 1997, passed away at Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care House, on November 4th, 2026. Jim was 94.

Jim was born in Ridley Park, PA, on February 15, 1932, and was the son of Howard and Elizabeth McCleery. Jim served in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class from March of 1949 to October of 1952. He then went to work for Piasecki Helicopter Corporation as a helicopter mechanic before joining DuPont Printing Services in Philadelphia and Boothwyn for the next 34 years.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Carole McCleery; sons James J. (Juliet) McCleery, Coopersburg, PA; Michael J. McCleery, Harleysville, PA; daughter Kathleen McCleery (Curtis) Wagner, Annapolis, MD; step-daughter Sandra DiPietrae (Robert) Swanger, Collegeville, PA; grandchildren: Kelly McCleery, Alexandria Genovese, Colleen McClung, Melissa and Erin McCleery, Amanda and Caroline Wagner; and step-grandchildren: Gage and Samantha Swanger, and ten great-grandchildren.

Jim was a lifelong jazz enthusiast, with a passion for music spanning eight decades. He especially enjoyed reminiscing about the legendary jazz musicians he had the opportunity to see perform in Philadelphia jazz clubs as a teenager. His love of jazz remained a cherished part of his life.

Jim and Carole enjoyed extensive travel together over the years, creating many wonderful memories along the way. Always adventurous, Jim took up skiing at the age of 50 and enjoyed ski trips to Switzerland, Canada, Vermont, Colorado, and Washington State. His adventurous spirit extended well beyond the ski slopes, as he also enjoyed more than a dozen skydiving jumps!

He remained active throughout his years in The Villages and was an engaged member of the Jazz Club, Computer Club, and Photography Club, along with being an avid pickleball player well into his 80s. His enthusiasm for life, willingness to embrace new challenges, and love of adventure were defining parts of his personality.

Jim was deeply devoted to his beloved wife, Carole, and to his children and stepdaughter. Family was always an important part of his life. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic, a sense of dedication, and a lifelong appreciation for jazz music. His love of music, eternal optimism, and the values he passed along to his family will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

A graveside service will be held on March 17, 2027, at 1:00 p.m. at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to either of the following organizations:

• Cornerstone Hospice

• The Villages Honor Flight

Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.