James (Jim) McLean

James (Jim) McLean, 86, of Huntsville, MO passed away peacefully in the home of his daughter (Kathy) where he had been surrounded and cared for by his loving family for several days. Jim was born December 3, 1939, in Moberly, Missouri. He was the son of Frank Miller McLean Sr and Mary (Raine) McLean, and the proud stepson of Everett Stanley "Spat" Alexander. Jim was a member of the last class to graduate from Clifton Hill High School in 1957. He was united in marriage to Elaine Milam in 1959. Later in life, Jim married Norma Mallory in 1979, and remained her devoted husband until the time of her death in 2021.

Jim proudly served his country as a member of the Missouri National Guard where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. 

Jim was a proud Teamster and worked for Banquet Foods/Conagra as a long haul truck driver for many years. He eventually gave up the road and became a business agent (and later the President) for Teamsters local 534 where he proudly represented the interests of its members for many years. Upon his retirement, Jim took great joy working as a bus driver for the Westran School District. He and Norma also worked together hand in hand to raise cattle and tend to the family farm (3 miles north of Hunstville, MO).

Over the years, Jim and Norma enjoyed several shared hobbies. Jim joined Norma in raising and showing pleasure/halter Appaloosa and Quarter horses around the state. They also enjoyed going to auctions around the country in search of depression glass that they collected and/or sold in booths they managed at consignment businesses around the area. Jim was an avid gun collector and took great joy in setting up at gun shows around the state. He loved meeting people and always had a smile and story to share. During all of these activities, Jim and Norma forged friendships that carried them throughout their lives. It is safe to say though, that they were each others best friend. One was rarely seen without the other and they were nearly always holding hands. 

Jim was a member of the Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church. He also appreciated the love, support and encouragement he received from the members of Mt. Zion East UMC. 

Jim is survived by his daughter Kathy McLean of Huntsville MO; Son, Michael Kirk McLean of Moberly, MO; grandchildren, Aaron (Erica) Trusty of Huntsville, MO, Jessica (Andre) Gross of Moberly, MO, Chelsea (Nick) Eagan of Huntsville, MO and Bryanna Wise of Moberly, MO; great grandchildren, Drake and Trea Gross, Ariyonna Gross, Braelyn Gross, Ellison Trusty, Mason Trusty, Whitlee Trusty, Brinley Wise, Madden Wise, and Andy Eagan; great great grandchildren, Kinsley Houston and Lennox Gross; sister in law, Dodie McLean of Huntsville, MO and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Norma and his brother Frank. 

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with a visitation at 10:30-11:30 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at Pathway Millard Family Funeral Chapel. Inurnment will take place at the Oakland Cemetery, in Moberly, Mo. 

Memorials are suggested to Jefferson Avenue United Methodist Church (Moberly, MO) and Mt. Zion East United Methodist Church (Redmon, MO).

Local arrangements are under the direction of Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270 (660)263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www. pathwaymemorial. com.