James G. "Jimmy" Cleary

SALEM – James G. “Jimmy” Cleary, 71, loving husband of the late Karen (French) Cleary, passed away on October 5, 2026 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, surrounded by his family. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late William and Margaret (Spears) Cleary.

Jimmy was raised and educated in Salem and was a proud graduate of Salem Vocational High School, class of 1973. He went on to work as a mechanic for the City of Salem until his retirement, where he took great pride in his work. He was known as a skilled and dependable mechanic who could fix just about anything.

Jimmy was a silly guy with a big heart who could make anyone laugh and he would often introduce himself as the Mayor of North Salem. Karen was his world and his person, and he cherished every moment with her, especially their days at the beach in Ipswich. He loved his kids and grandkids more than anything, and nothing made him prouder than time spent with them.

Jimmy was happiest on the water, whether out on his boat or fishing for flounder and stripers. He also loved the thrill of four-wheeling and snowmobiling. His mornings often began at Winter Island, where he would read the paper and sip his coffee while taking in the view. He treasured time with his friends, sitting outside with a cold Budweiser and good conversation, and he never turned down a hot fudge sundae at Treadwell's.

In addition to his parents, Jimmy is predeceased by his beloved wife of 38 years, Karen (French) Cleary, his sister, Louise Clancy, and his brother Bobby Cleary.

Jimmy is survived by his children, James Sullivan III of Plymouth, MI, Sean Sullivan and his wife, Audrey of Salem, Heather DeRocher and her husband, Paul of Hopedale, Kelly Cameron and her husband, Jeremy of Beverly and Kevin Cleary and his wife, Katelyn of Salem, his grandchildren, June, Maisie, Ellen and James Sullivan, Paul “PJ” DeRocher, Zoey, Jacob and John Cameron, Madison Purpura and Owen Cleary, his sister, Roberta Tamilio and many nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to Jimmy’s funeral service to be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 12 P.M. at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq. E, SALEM, MA. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, 57 Orne St., Salem, MA. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jimmy’s memory to Kaplan Family Hospice House, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or online. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.