James Clair McMichael

James McMichael, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend
passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, in Fairfax, Virginia after a day spent
with family and friends, and attending Ash Wednesday mass.
In addition to Vicki, his wife of 53 years, he is survived by his children Amy
Purcell (John) of Fairfax and James (Nicole) of Dexter, Michigan. He is also
survived by grandchildren Spencer, Audrey, Lydia, Charlie, Elliot, Carsten, Vivian,
and Elise and a sister Karen DeShong. He was preceded in death by a brother Bill
and sisters Kathleen and Susan.
After graduation from Kane High School, Jim served our county in the US Navy
during the Vietnam War. He then went on to earn a degree in pharmacy from the
University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from University of Notre Dame. After years
of travelling nationally and internationally, Jim retired as Director of Business
Development at Patheon Inc.
In his younger years Jim was passionate about running including 5Ks and
marathons, as well as backpacking. He turned his interest to creating stained glass
and then became a master woodworker, serving as president for several years of
the Woodworkers Guild of Washington. Friends and family were also gifted with
his many wood creations. He also joined Vicki to become certified as a Master
Gardener.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 29th at 1:00 p.m. at Money and
King Funeral Home at 171 Maple Ave West, Vienna, VA 22180.
Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to A Simple Gesture – Reston, a food
collection program (“Green Bag”) for which Jim and Vicki volunteered. Green
Bag provides non-perishable food to area pantries to support our neighbors in
Northern Virginia.
Memorial Shoreshim Jewish Community
P.O. Box 2516
Reston, Virginia 20195
Write “For A Simple Gesture” in the memo line