Obituary of James G. McLellan Sr

James Gavin McLellan, Sr, age 73 passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. He was born to Walter and Mary McLellan on January 21, 1947 in Duluth. He married Carolyn Despot on October 24, 1970.

Jim drove trucks for many years for various local companies and retired from the Teamsters. For the past 30 years he has been a co-owner of Allied Taxi Company.

Jim loved traveling across the US visiting National Parks with his wife Carolyn. They were to celebrate 50 years of marriage on October 24th. His son was his best friend and favorite driver as they shared a love of stock car racing while Jim, Jr. was growing up. He often bragged what a wonderful family man Jimmy became as he reflected the fact he was raised as an only child. Jim was proud of his family and loved them dearly.

The role of Grandpa was taken seriously as he always had a candy jar next to his recliner for the grandchildren. Oftentimes he would put a little jingle in their pockets and enjoy hearing how they had spent it.

Jim loved to fish on the St. Louis River. A good day was one that started at the river’s edge casting a line. His favorite sports team was the Minnesota Twins as he often coached them from his recliner.

His mission in life was helping those who needed help and encouraging those he met to live life in the moment. He celebrated 39 years of sobriety “one day at a time” this past August.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Angeline McLellan; his parents; his brothers-in-law, William Despot and Louis Nowak; and a sister-in-law, Madonna McLellan.

He is survived by wife Carolyn, son James Jr. (Theresa), grandchildren Colton and Miyah McLellan, Kylee, Jamin and Trevor Durfee, brothers William (Bonnie) McLellan and Edward McLellan, sister Gloria Nowak, sister’s-in-law Patricia (Wayne) Wenske, Penney Corona, nieces and nephews and special Texas fishing buddy, Jim Bell.

In accordance with his wishes, a service will not be held. A celebration of life will be held in the future.