James J. "Fred" McClatchey

Life’s Reflection

On November 21,1945 James J McClatchey was born to Viola and Joseph V. McClatchey in Holly Springs, Mississippi.  James was fondly known as Fred to his family and friends.  He was proceeded in death by both parents and three sisters, Iola; Wilma; and Anna.

He accepted God at an early age and joined Salem Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas at the age of 16 and remained a member until he passed.  He graduated Wyandotte High School in 1963.  At the age of 19, he joined the United States Armed Forces and served until 1971.  He was a Field Artillery Specialist who received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, two Overseas Service Medals and The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Upon leaving the Army, he married Heirloise Simpkin and to that union three children were born, Jock McClatchey, Shalize McClatchey, and Joseph McClatchey.

On August 8,1974 he married Zenobia Downton and to this union she brought Felica Smith (Downton), and Ali Jones (Downton).  He remained a loving husband married to Zenobia McClatchey for 46 years until his passing October 2020.

Fred wore many hats and was a man of many talents.  He touched many lives as he was always willing to lend a helping hand.  He was an avid Chiefs fan and for the people who had the pleasure of calling him PaPa, he was Superman.

He departed this life on Friday October 23, 2020 in Kansas City, Kansas at his home.  He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Zenobia McClatchey; daughters, Felica Smith (Baron); Ali Jones, and Shalize McClatchey; sons, Jock McClatchey, and Joseph McClatchey; nine grandchildren, C’Ann McClatchey; Telisha Fields (Tony Jr.); Keiron McClatchey; Raven McClatchey; Deron Downton (Ieshia); Kehan McClatchey; Demond Robinson; Candiss McClatchey; Baron Smith Jr.; and Kahlo McClatchey; sister, Mattie Hullaby; brother, Clyde McClatchey (Betty); several great grandchildren; and a host of niece, nephews, other relatives and friends.

His contagious smile and kind loving spirit will live on forever.

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