Onaway’s James “Jim” Paul Cleaver, 54, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Jim fathered his six children, all boys, and spent part of his childhood in New Jersey until his family moved to Yuma, Arizona.

A prodigious athlete, sports were a big part of Jim’s life. Looking forward to being old enough to play ball with his older siblings, Jim said in 1984, when he turned 16, he was on the same men’s softball team as his brothers. was able to play. In high school, Jim played football and was a star player for the Yuma High Criminals.

While living in Yuma, Jim met his lifelong love, Jody Wood. Jim and Jodie had a love story that other people can only dream of. They married her on December 31, 1988, lived happily for 37 years and were blessed with four children. James Paul Jr., Daniel, Molly, Christian. They enjoyed every part of life together. Through life’s ups and downs and the occasional curveball, there was nothing Jim and Jodie couldn’t get through together. Even so, he set an example for his children and gave them a definition of love and hard work.

Jim was a hard working man. An injury in 1992 didn’t stop him from doing what he loved: coaching. After moving to Onaway, Jim became a beloved coach for the youth of the community and was known throughout northern Michigan. He was proud to be a coach, but he was even more proud of the kids who played for him. He had the privilege of tutoring both his daughter and son. Throughout his career, he has coached basketball, football, baseball, and softball, producing many memorable games, outstanding plays, and upsets that have resulted in miraculous victories and heartbreaking defeats. A highlight of his coaching career came in 2010 when Onaway helped lead his Cardinals softball team to the state finals. (“36 and 1, Bitch!” – James Cleaver)

Loyal, Jim’s friends were like family. He was a devoted husband and soulmate to Jodie. He was a father who loved and supported his children immeasurably. His loving grandfather Jim was very proud of his grandchildren. He showed everyone and everyone their pictures and boasted about each of them at every opportunity. He was a great “pop” for his “Snooki Bear,” nine-year-old Gia. Hunter, 13 years old. Jimmy, 11 months old. and Enzo, 10 months old.

Jim is missed daily by his wife, Jodie of Onaway. The children, Daniel (Tyler) Sempel of Greenville, Molly Cleaver Young (Eric) of Onaway and Christian (Blair) Cleaver of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. his grandchildren; and brothers, Harry “Hans” (Gail) Cleaver, Jr. of Pennsylvania, John (Rosa) Cleaver of Gainesville, Florida, and Kelly (Linda) Cleaver of Levering.fire

e also leaves her mother-in-law, Terri Wood of Onaway. her stepsisters Jennifer Wood of Onaway and Heather (Scott) Caballero of Yuma, Arizona; So do many nieces, nephews and friends.

James lost his parents. his brothers, Mike and Steve; And his little boy, James Paul Cleaver Jr. “Jimmy,” has been waiting so long for Jim to be with him again.

Jim’s family celebrated his life on Wednesday, May 10, at the Onaway High School gymnasium. Arrangements were made by Chagnon Funeral Home.

For those planning to express condolences, please consider making a donation to his family in memory of Jim Cleaver to help with the final cost. Donations can be sent to @cleaverd via Venmo. increase.