James Cleary's Obituary
James (Jim) Cleary went home to his Creator and Savior on February 2, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. His grieving family are finding joy in knowing he loved our Lord and will find peace in His presence. Jim had great love for his Pastor, Fred Lab, and church family at Outreach Christian Church in Lake Odessa, Michigan. Jim was born in Bay City Michigan to Jerry and Eleanor Cleary in 1945. He was educated at St. James High School and Ferris University in Michigan where he earned his BS in Business Administration. In 1967 Jim married Cleo (PT) Rich of Eaton Rapids where they resided and raised two sons, Thadeus and Tyrone. Shortly following college graduation Jim began his career in Public Administration with the Michigan State Government, the majority in senior management positions. Jim worked with state legislature, environmental and conservation groups, the media and agencies on federal, state and local levels. He retired as Deputy Director for Environmental Protection in l992 moving to Florida to reunite with and marry his high school sweetheart Sue Gilbert Pringle. Jim was then tapped to serve as Assistant Director of the Florida Southwest District DEP from which he retired in 2006. Jim's heart was always in public service, and he served in multiple professional associations in his 40-year career including serving as Commissioner for Michigan Low-Level Radioactive Waste Authority, appointed by the Governor. Jim was the recipient of multiple awards for natural resource initiatives including the President's Public Service Award from the Nature Conservancy.
After retirement Jim and Sue split residency between Trinity, Florida and Michigan, enjoying summers at Morrison Lake near Grand Rapids. Jim loved to hunt with family on the Eaton Rapids “Cleary Hunt Club” family farm. Jim loved the Michigan outdoors as well as his Florida community that became a second home for 34 years.
Jim was an avid follower of Michigan Sports teams, forever a Tigers, Lions, Red Wings and NASCAR fan. He loved to share the fact that he attended the first NFL Championship win for the Lions in l957 as a 12-year-old boy and never lost his enthusiasm for another win.
Jim and Sue shared a blended family of 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, all of whom survive them: Thad Cleary (Charamy), Tyrone Cleary (Camille) Spencer Pringle (Selene), Meredith Pringle Berrios (Melvin); Grandchildren: Taylor Cleary, Caleb Cleary, Sydney Cleary Vis (Peyton), Kyler Butterworth (Megan), Camden Cleary, Maddox Pringle, Cade Pringle, Sarah Stafford, Hailey Berrios and Kayla Berrios; and great grandchildren, Jed, Auggie, Lainey and Monty Cleary. Jim is also survived by his brother Tom Cleary (Lis) and many nieces and nephews. His sister Carolyn Leonard pre-deceased him.
Services and interment will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Bay City, Michigan at Trahan Funeral Chapel, 256 N. Madison. A visitation will be held from 10:00am to 12:00pm, followed by the funeral service and interment at St. Patrick’s Mausoleum. Luncheon will follow.
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