Finding Home

Finding A Forever Home

James’ Journey to Bath Township

I live in Bath Township with my wife Lisa and our cat Boo-Boo Fett. We love it here! When I retired from the United States Air Force, after 32 years of service, we could have moved anywhere, but we decided to “plant the flag” in the best place on the planet amd our forever home—Bath Township!

My values and beliefs were shaped by my upbringing here in Northwest Akron where I learned about hard work and practicality through my parents, Sam and Phyllis McClellan. My grandparents, Doctor Wallace and Lenore McClellan and my Great Grandparents, Reverend William and Catherine McClellan, passed on a belief in faith and perseverance while teaching the values of humility, neighborliness, and education. Of course, I picked up a few things from my high school sweetheart, Lisa (her family name was Thurn, and she lived and went to school in Bath). We have been together since I earned my Eagle Scout rank in 1983.

But once I graduated from high school and college, it was off to the United States Air Force. My first assignment was to Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware but little did I know this posting was the first of sixteen assignments. Throughout my career, I led teams as small as six people all the way up to 1,800 personnel, here in the United States at bases in Virginia, Florida, Texas, Alabama, New Mexico, and Idaho and locations in England, South Korea, and Qatar. I also deployed to bases in Türkiye, Republic of Georgia, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, and Bahrain, among other locales. Through all the assignments and deployments, Lisa and I raised two boys, Connor and Ethan. Connor is a Captain in the United States Army and Ethan is a Chief Petty Officer in the Unites States Navy—I could not be prouder to be their father.

As a decorated combat veteran who achieved the rank of Colonel, my tenure in the military taught me the value of teamwork, communication, collaboration, integrity, selflessness, and a commitment to exacting standards.

When, in 2021, it was time to retire, it was an easy choice to make Bath our home. While the proximity to parks and green spaces, strong historical legacy, and nearby shopping and entertainment were contributing factors, the main reason was the people—whether life-long Bath residents or recently arrived they have the same family values we hold dear—it felt like home from the minute we arrived.

"When I retired from the USAF, we searched all over the United States for a home, but Bath Township had the highest marks. What made the biggest difference was the people. They are hardworking, kind, and generous...our kind of people."

Trusted Leader

Born and raised locally, I honorably served in the USAF for 32 years. I successfully led small and large teams, overseas, in combat, and at home. Now, I’m focused on preserving Bath Township’s deep-rooted community values by taking on leadership roles in organizations like the Bath Community Fund and Bath Business Association.

Community Preservation and Engagement

I have a keen sense of Stewardship and Preservation — I created the successful Discover Bath Barns Committee with the purpose of preserving our unique rural character, promoting our community values, and fostering citizen participation in community affairs.

Sound Fiscal Management

I am dedicated to supporting initiatives that deliver high quality, cost effective Public Service while upholding principles of Sound, Transparent Fiscal Management . As a member of the township’s recent Comprehensive Plan Committee, it was clear a focus in these areas is foundational to the success of our land management plan and zoning process.