James Anthony Cleary

James Anthony Cleary was born in August 12,1941, in Melbourne, Australia – Parents, John and Frances Cleary. Jim was the eldest of four children, Peter, Michael (Dec) and Anne. He was raised in Balaklava, South Australia, north of Adelaide, a close-knit farming community, and an extended Cleary family, where he attended school at Saint Joseph’s Convent and began working at just 15 years of age.

Jim’s strong work ethic shaped his early years. He began as a building contractor, later working with International Tractors and Harvesters in Balaklava. In 1962, he joined a local transport company, operating both locally and interstate. His career took a significant step forward in 1965 when he joined Pioneer Tours, a subsidiary of Ansett Transport Industries as a Coach Captain, travelling  extensively throughout Australia.

In 1970, Jim transferred to Ansett Airlines in Alice Springs, in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory. He remained with Ansett for 33 years, retiring on 19 June 1998. He deeply loved his work and maintained lasting friendships with colleagues long after his retirement.

On 27 August 1999, Jim moved to the United States to marry Diana, his loving wife, on 2 October 1999. In Colorado, he became an active member of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahai’s, serving his faith with dedication. He continued working in the United States until his retirement in 2015. Jim and Diana returned to Australia for extended visits in 2000 and again in 2013 to spend precious time with family.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Diana; his sister Anne; his brother Peter; stepdaughters Jenny and Vicky; his stepson Fred; and his step-grandchildren, Aaron and Sarah.

Jim will be remembered for his devotion to family, his steadfast faith, his strong work ethic, and the friendships he cherished throughout his life.

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