James Cleo (Jim) McCreery, 67, Had an Irrepressible Sense of Humor

Jim was born in Lorain, OH and grew up in nearby Sheffield Lake. He was a 1961 graduate of Brookside High School.

After 20 years' service in the United States Navy as a dental technician, he enjoyed successful careers in real estate, auctioneering, antique sales, and furniture refinishing. He studied pine needle basketry and music at John C. Campbell Folk School and later taught at the school.

He touched countless lives with his irrepressible sense of humor, his love of song, his unshakeable faith, his community leadership and service, his joy for living, and his love of his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Cleo Earl McCreery and Helen Marion Smith McCreery, and by his niece, Dawn Marie McCreery. He is survived by his wife of nearly 26 years, Ellen Mills McCreery; three sons, Kelly James McCreery and wife Lorraine of Enterprise, AL, Sean Patrick McCreery and wife Renee of Lexington Park, MD, and Scott Cleo McCreery and wife Doreen of Chesapeake, VA; three stepdaughters, Leslie Brooks Booker and partner Barbara Moore of Pittsboro, NC, Lucy Booker Duncan and husband Gordon Jones of Winston-Salem, NC, and Susan Murray Booker of Durham, NC; two brothers, Robert Clair McCreery Sr. and wife Joan of Sheffield Lake, OH, and Richard Lee McCreery Sr. and wife Darlene of Cincinnati, OH; and a wealth of beloved grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Memorial services will be held in Forsyth County, NC, and in Nags Head, NC, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CaringBridge.org or the charity of your choice.