Jonathan David McClure

Jonathan David McClure, age 40, passed away on August 30, 2026, after a lifelong journey with an immunodeficiency disorder, and later in life, severe COPD.

He was born on November 9, 1985, in Charleston, WV, to Joe and Drema McClure. He was a 2004 graduate of Scott High School, and in his early adult years, attended Glenville State College, pursuing an education that would allow him to work outdoors. Two of his favorite occupations included summer contracts at R.D. Bailey Lake and his fulltime work with Thrasher.

Jonathan is survived by his parents, Joe and Drema McClure; his siblings, Leah (Steven) Fultz and Joseph (Kelly) McClure; his nieces and nephews, Micah, Kinsey, Cody, Isaiah, Benjamin, Gracie, Levi, and Olivia; his dearest friends, Fortney and Daniel; his girls whom he loved as his own, Moe and Sis; their mother, Thelma Wilson, the love of his life; and a long list of extended family, friends, and people whose lives were touched by his love and generosity.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Rachel McClure, and his grandparents, June and Forrest Dolin and Seymour and Helen McClure.

Jonathan lived a life full of adventure, music, art, family, friendship, and deep conversation. He loved being outdoors and could often be found hiking, camping, kayaking, or hunting. He loved music and poetry, including many songs and poetry he wrote himself. He could spend hours talking about dreams, history, politics, scripture, testimonies of faith, bible studies, and the deeper questions of life. He was curious, passionate, independent, and rarely settled for a shallow conversation. He had a compassionate, generous heart and a willingness to give to those in need, both in word and deed, leaving an imprint on the lives of many who were blessed to know him.

Jonathan fought with his lungs throughout his entire life, but even as his breaths grew few, he chose to use them to sing praises to the Lord. He sang both beloved hymns and songs he had written specifically for God. He also continued to express his gratitude for those he loved. It was evident to all who surrounded him that Jesus was at the center of his heart.

Jonathan had his own vision of how he wanted his life to be remembered. In his words:

“If my loved ones wish to celebrate memories of me, they best not be in a funeral home. Go to my hollers, hike to the ridge, meditate, bring your Bible, pray, go to Cranberry Glades, hike to the caves…put the focus on Christ…may my last action be to fertilize the soil from which man originally came. Replace my funeral with an appreciation of what is actually happening: the unveiling of truth in Spirit.”

In keeping with his wishes, Jonathan will be cremated, and rather than a traditional funeral service, he has requested that his able-bodied loved ones gather together for a long hike to one of the places he loved most. There, we will scatter his ashes and embrace the things he wanted us to see…the beauty of creation, the people we have been given to love, the truth found in Christ, and the preciousness of every breath. In this way, we hope to honor not only the life Jonathan lived, but the way he wanted us to live in remembering him…with our eyes turned toward creation, our hearts toward one another, and our focus on Christ. The date and location of this gathering will be announced at a later time.

In the meantime, as we remember Jonathan and the life he shared with us, we invite you to add your own piece to his story in the guestbook linked on Handley’s website. Share a memory, a photo, or simply a few words about what he meant to you. Whether you knew him for years or shared only one meaningful moment, your memories are a gift to all who loved him.