James Duff McClish Sr.

The Austin American-Statesman, 1/11/2009

James Duff McClish Sr. went to fish with the Master Fisherman on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009. Service, 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at Smithwick Church of Christ 10804 E FM 1431 Marble Falls, Texas. Interment, Smithwick Cemetery.

Visitation, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, at J.E. Foust Funeral Home, 523 S. Main St., Grapevine, and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, at Smithwick Church of Christ. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N Michigan Ave., 17th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601.

Prior to serving in the US Army for two years in the Korean conflict, Duff pitched professionally in the Texas Baseball League.

Upon returning from Korea, he felled timber in Idaho for ten years. He came back to Texas to partner with his brother, John, representing Bankers Life, which later became Principal Financial Group.

Throughout his thirty years in the insurance industry, Duff received numerous awards for sales and service and was respected and trusted by his clients and peers.

A man of absolute integrity and extraordinary generosity, Duff always placed the needs of the community and family before self.

When he was very young, he hunted and fished to provide meals for the families of those serving in World War II. Later, he and his wife Mildred, caught and fried fish to support civic and community fundraisers.

The greatest gift he gave all of us was his unconditional love and support for family and friends. When he saw a need, he would attempt to fill it. He was gracious,kind, and good, and he left the world a better place.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Kelly Werlinger, M.D.; his grandson, James D. McClish III; and his brother, John McClish. Survivors, wife of 56 years, Mildred McClish; children, Diane McClish Grove and husband, Bill, Peggie Lynn McClish Will and husband, Greg, James D. "Jimmy" McClish Jr., Don Werlinger, Lellah McClish Werlinger and husband, Joe; his grandchildren, Stephanie Girling and husband, Robert, Gregory Will and Emily Grove; and great-grandchildren, Blake Estrello and Hailey Grove; sister, Ruby McClish Tuttle; and extended family.