Gerald "Jake" McJames

Gerald “Jake” McJames, age 83 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the MyMichigan Medical Center of Midland, surrounded by his loving family. On August 14, 1942, Jake was born the son of Leonard and Norma (Bergey) McJames in Clare, where Jake would remain a lifelong resident and become a graduate of the CHS class of ‘61. On February 18, 1985, Jake was united in marriage to Jane Coe, and together they shared forty wonderful years. During his working years, Jake wore multiple hats (literally and figuratively), serving for over thirty-two years as an operator for the Isabella County Road Commission, as well as the lead farmhand for the Walt and Fran Bolle Farm for thirty-plus years—a job he continued right up to his passing. Jake loved both bow and rifle hunting for deer, tinkering on anything mechanical, playing euchre with his family, watching NASCAR races, and racing antique snowmobiles in his younger years. However, those that knew Jake best will tell his biggest passion was that for collecting and restoring all type of antique tractors…along with holding court at the Whitehouse Restaurant of Clare every morning. Jake is survived by his wife Jane McJames of Clare, his children Melanie McJames-Bell, Brian (Wendy) McJames, Avery (Cori) McJames, and Aubrey (Caleb Parish) McJames, all of whom reside in Clare, and his grandchildren Aaron (Stacey Miller) Bell, Amber (Lucas Small) Bell, and baby McJames on the way. Other survivors include his great-grandchildren Kennedy and Karter Bell, his siblings Florence Merillat, Glen (Bertha) McJames, Marilyn (Mark) Bassage, Ellouise (Jeff Johnson) Herkel, and Carla (Mike) Jones, his mother-in-law Paula Coe and many nieces and nephews. Jake was preceded in death by his father Leonard McJames and his mother and stepfather Norma and Carl Buchhage, his brother and sister-in-law Leonard and Lois McJames, his brother-in-law Bill Merillat, his son-in-law Chris Walkiewicz and father-in-law Bill Coe Sr. A funeral service in honor of Jake will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Hayes officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 30th from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Memorial contributions in honor of Jake may be directed to Coleman Wesleyan Church or a charity of your choice. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared on Jakes tribute page at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Gerald "Jake" McJames

August 14, 1942 - September 27, 2025