James Osgood McClellan III, of McClellanville, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest May, 15, 2026. A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026 at McClellanville United Methodist Church, 200 Pinckney Street, McClellanville, SC at 2:00 pm. Following the service he will be interred with a graveside service at the cemetery on Old Cemetery Road in the family plot beside his father, James O. McClellan, Jr. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1:00 pm in the sanctuary. Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel.
Born on September 29, 1934, in McClellanville, South Carolina, James “Jimmy” was the son of the late Reverend James Osgood McClellan, Jr. and the late Ruby Seigler McClellan. He was a civil engineer and surveyor by profession and a proud graduate of The Citadel, Class of 1956. While at The Citadel and throughout his life, he loved singing and was an active choir member.
James had a deep appreciation for nature, plants, and the arts. He shared his passion generously, offering tours of the native plant garden at his home in McClellanville. He was also a talented wood carver and porcelain artist, as well as a poet and writer. His creativity and curiosity were lifelong pursuits. He was a devoted member of McClellanville United Methodist Church.
James is survived by his children: daughters, Karen McClellan Gresham (Charles) of Irmo, SC; Beth McClellan Mehaffrey (Ernie) of Columbia, SC; Amanda McClellan Martin (Randy) of Prosperity, SC; and son James Osgood McClellan IV (Lisa) of Columbia, SC. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Laura Stubbs (John), John Gresham (Jessica), Andrew Gresham (Tiffany), Aaron Mehaffey (Laura), Barret Mehaffey (Chrissy), Connor Mehaffey (Alexis), and Ian McClellan; and nine great-grandchildren, Michael, Callie, Emma, Colin, Hunter, Penny, Abby, Virginia, and Nora; and preceded in death by his grandson Jay Gresham.
He is further survived by two sisters, Wilhemina “Sister” Couch of Atlanta, GA, and Susan (Larry) Kabrovsky of Sullivan’s Island, SC; and one brother, Johnny (Pat) McClellan of McClellanville, SC.
Memorials may be made to the McClellanville Arts Council or the McClellanville Museum.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting www.jhenrystuhr.com.