James C. McMichael, faithful servant of the Lord

OLEAN — James C. “Jim” McMichael, 86, of Olean, passed away unexpectedly with his loving family by his side on Sunday (Dec. 28, 2025) in Olean General Hospital, Olean.

Born Thursday, Oct. 5, 1939, in Tamaqua, Pa., he was a son of Paul and Effie Jones McMichael. On Aug. 2, 1959, in Valois, he married Clara M. Williammee, who passed away Oct. 15, 2025.

Jim honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960. Jim would say “I served for the love of my country.”

After serving his country, Jim was employed making dynamite at Atlas Chemical and later transferred to a plant making glycerin.  He also enjoyed driving tractor trailer and driving a city bus in Auburn, where he also was a driving instructor. His favorite job was driving milk trucks picking up at the local farms where he would visit with the farmers.

A very faithful person, Jim was a longtime member of the Ceres United Methodist Church in Ceres.

One of his favorite pastimes was mowing his lawn and his neighbor’s lawns. He also enjoyed “keeping an eye on the neighbors and those driving up and down the road. He also enjoyed watching the deer in the neighborhood and enjoyed visiting Allegany State Park.

Jim loved his family and enjoyed picking on them and playing jokes on them… they in turn returned the favor. He loved trying to put a smile on people’s faces in the stores.

Left to cherish his memory are five children, Linda L. Hamill, Bonnie S. (Michael) Bost, Jim (Vikki) McMichael, Andrew (Amber) McMichael and Ronald (Jen) McMichael. He leaves behind over 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandsons; a great-great-granddaughter due in April; a great-great-grandchild due in July; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Jim was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Long; and a brother, John Paul McMichael.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 3, 2026) in the Ceres United Methodist Church, Ceres, where a celebration of life will follow at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Becky Edwards, pastor of the Reynoldsville First Methodist Church, Reynoldsville, Pa., officiating. Burial will be in Trumansburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim’s name may be made to Toys for Tots at www.toysfortots.org; or to the Kevin’s Guest House at www.kevinguesthouse.com.

Jim’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Jim, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.