James Barclay

James Thomas “Tom” Barclay age 77, of Ovid, MI, passed away Thursday, April 5, 2018 at his home holding hands with his wife.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI, on Sunday, April 8, 2018 from 3-6 P.M.

Tom was born in Florence, AL on September 10, 1940 the son of Mason and Hautie (White) Barclay.  Tom graduated from Sexton High School in Lansing with the class of 1958. He lived the majority of his life in the Ovid area.  Tom married Ann Maffesoli on June 22, 1991 at their home in Ovid.  Together they had a dream of owning their own business.  They bought Leon's Transmission Repair in 1994 through which Ann will continue to honor his legacy.

Tom was an avid Spartan lover.  His loving family has described him as: compassionate, stubborn, hard working, strong, playful, funny, generous and sweet.  One of the most valuable life lessons he taught his family was "work hard, play hard."  Tom will be remembered for his sense of humor and his colorful jokes.  His unconditional love will continue to comfort his family in the years to come.

Tom is survived by his wife Ann, his 7 children: Annette Barclay, Heidi (Peyman) SaidiZand, Mark Barclay, Shawn (Tom) Galecka, Allan Gave, Betsy (Bryan) Arnold, and Erin (Mike) Bancroft; grandchildren: Jessica (Brian) Gwizdala, Brandy McGarey, Aaron SaidiZand, Kyana SaidiZand, Alyssa SaidiZand, Bryan (Jessica) Galecka, Kayla (Kristy) Galecka, Calvin (Megan) Galecka, Karie (Steve) Bacon, Matt Corbett, Shelda (Mike) Griffin, Genia (Brent) Beckman, Sophie Arnold, Owen Arnold, Fern Arnold, Camery Bancroft, Madilyn Bancroft, Kalista Bancroft, Danica Bancroft; and numerous great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters: Phyllis (Al) Rutledge, and Nona (Jim) Hauff; numerous nieces and nephews, and former daughter-in-law Kathy.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents Mason and Hautie Barclay and sister Joyce (Jim) Henfling.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to provide meals for underprivileged children in the Ovid/Elsie area. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.