Obituary of James McClure

James J. McClure July 16, 1927 to February 18, 2013. James J. McClure, 85, of State College, died Monday, February 18, 2013, at The Fairways. He was born July 16, 1927, in Decatur, Illinois, to Christopher McClure and Helen (Siloski) McClure. He was married to Carol (Taylor) McClure, who survives in State College. He attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan, where he studied art and design, and Black Mountain College in North Carolina. He worked at Penn State University, in the College of Agriculture, as Art Editor for Ag Publications. He served on the State College Borough Council for eight years. He was a founding member and first president of the ClearWater Conservancy, dedicated to protecting the local watershed. He was passionate about art and design, political and civic engagement, especially on the local level, and environmental advocacy. Mr. McClure is survived by his brother, John "Jack" McClure, of Pinckney, Michigan; two daughters, Mary C. "Katie" Kennedy of State College and Laurel McClure of Mountain View, CA; four grandchildren, Alison Kennedy and John Kennedy of State College, and John S. "Sam" Byrom and Rebecca Byrom of Mountain View, CA; and his companion, Thomazine Shanahan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, June (McClure) Kehl. In accordance with Mr. McClure's wishes, there will be no funeral service; his family hopes to arrange a memorial service to take place in early summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to ClearWater Conservancy, 2555 N. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16803. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.