ELIOT, Maine — James “Jim” Ogsbury McClelland — husband, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle, and enduring friend — died at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, after a prolonged period of decline.

His life will be celebrated this Saturday De. 9.

“He was 81 years young at heart,” his brother, Jon McClelland, wrote in a tribute, “being born on Feb. 9, 1942, in Albany, the second of six children of Frederick D. and Jane E. Ogsbury McClelland.

“Jim will long be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a mischievous personality and notable sense of humor who was often determined to bring a smile to your face. He was blessed with the ability to love unconditionally and seek the good in those he encountered, and many lifelong friendships were born along the way.

“Altamont was home for Jim for most of his growing-up school years and his stories, adventures, and remembrances always reflected the good times he experienced and the many friends he shared these with.

“Like his two brothers, Jim worked odd jobs at The Altamont Enterprise. Jim’s great-grandfather, John D. Ogsbury, was an original owner of The Enterprise.

“After elementary school, Jim attended Guilderland High for two years and then moved on to the Milne School in Albany, from which he graduated in 1960. Later that year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, his tour of duty ending in 1964.

“He next, while working at and attending American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, met and married Diane Creeden. They started a family there and moved on to Peterborough, New Hampshire, where he worked for many years at New Hampshire Ball Bearings Inc.

“Eventually, Jim and his family settled in Hampton, New Hampshire, where in 1997, after 29 years of marriage his wife Diane passed away.

“Jim worked hard to be a kind, understanding, and caring parent, and over time he came to love his eventual role as grandfather. He took great pride in his children, Fred and Jennifer, and his two granddaughters, Diana and Sophie. They made his heart sing.

“​​With his warm manner and willingness to be playful, Jim created special bonds with his nephew and his late brother-in-law. He shared many ‘memorable adventures’ with these two fine men.

“Known to be a dedicated sports enthusiast, Jim loved playing many sports as a young man and the game of golf eventually became a favorite. Despite being a long-time resident of New England, he had the courage to maintain his allegiance to the New York Yankees well into older age.

“In 2003, he tied the knot with Mary Hogan, with whom he shared a wonderful 20 years until his passing.

“Living in Eliot, Maine, they shared many friendships, interests, travel adventures, some golfing, an occasional cigar, and the ups and downs of aging. As Jim started showing more and more signs of failing, Mary could not have done a better job of caring for and coordinating his needs over the last year or more of his life.

“His family is sincerely grateful. The same can be said for Jim’s compassionate caregivers who provided him support, attention, and comfort, and even laughter that he so enjoyed right up until his death.”

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James Ogsbury McClelland is survived by his wife, Mary Hogan; son, Frederick J. McClelland; daughter, Jennifer (Trish Jerrick) McClelland; granddaughters, Diana and Sophie; brother, Jon (Mary Ann) McClelland; sisters Susan (Jeff) Keating and Carol Dopp; brother, David McClelland; and his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His late wife, Diane McClelland, died before him, as did his brother, Pete McClelland.

“In the past,” the tribute said, “Jim spent countless hours in the Hampton Public Library as he attended story time with his granddaughters. Memorial contributions may be made to the library in his memory or to a special-needs organization of your choice.”

Friends are invited to join his family for a celebration of his life at South Church Unitarian Universalist Church at 292 State St. in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.