DOVER - Dr. James B. McClements passed away in the company of loved ones on August 22, 2016. He was 88 years old. Jim moved to Dover in 1957 to practice medicine, and since then he touched many lives and helped shape the city in important ways. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1928, Jim was valedictorian at Shady Side Academy. The day he graduated in May 1945 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy and was part of the V-5 pilot training program. As the war effort wound down, he transferred to Williams College where he was Phi Beta Kappa. He attended University of Pennsylvania Medical School for his MD and residency focusing on obstetrics and gynecology. In 1957, he was recruited to become the second OB/GYN doctor in Dover. This launched a 35-year career during which he delivered an estimated 7,500 babies and built a thriving practice that is now known as "Dedicated to Women." Along with a wave of other young doctors who arrived in Dover in the late 50s and early 60s, Jim helped bring Kent General Hospital into the era of modern medicine. As part of this work, he helped lead desegregation of the maternity ward and nursery. Jim served on the Kent General Board for many years. Jim was also active in the Dover community. He served as president of the Capitol School District Board in the mid-1960s, and during his tenure, he helped lead the peaceful desegregation of Dover's schools. His commitment to education and equal opportunity ran quiet but deep. Jim played a major role in transforming the landscape of West Dover. With his partner, Jimmy Smith, he acquired much of the land along Kenton Road between State College Road and Denneys Road. They sold a plot of land to Maple Dale Country Club for $1 so the club could relocate there and build an 18-hole course. Following Mr. Smith's tragic death, Jim finalized the planning and development of the Fox Hall neighborhood. Subsequently, other areas in the original property were developed as well, including The Woodlands, Turnberry, The Meadows, Baltray, Courtside, Pine Valley and the Village of Maple Dale. In 2003, Jim donated a 60-acre parcel of land to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources to help preserve an important local woods and wetland. This parcel, now called the Anne McClements Woodland of the Fork Branch Nature Preserve, in honor of Jim's first wife, protects remarkable stands of native beech trees and many other species. Jim had many passions in his life. He was an avid golfer, and as he approached retirement he took up wildflower gardening, an interest he and Anne had been cultivating during the prior decade. He and Anne threw themselves fully into woodland wildflowers, and their garden became a must see visit for gardeners from around the world. Jim's passions also included photography and music. He enjoyed playing the piano his entire life. Above all his accomplishments and interests, Jim treasured his family. Anne passed away in 2003 from complications associated with Alzheimer's. Together they built a family of five children, Mary Jane, Jimmy (Heidi), Nancy, Walter (Charlene) and Bill (Susan). They also have twelve grandchildren, Amanda, Hannah, Walt, Elizabeth, Karen, John, Kate, Emily, Will, Annie, Becky and Alana; and three great grandchildren. In 2011, Jim married Ruth Morris of Dover and enjoyed five years of a wonderful second marriage. He embraced Ruth's daughter Julia and her children Ridgely and Daniel as his "bonus family." A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 27, 2016, at Torbert Funeral Home, 1145 E. Lebanon Road in Dover with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to Bayhealth Foundation or a charity of your choice. Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.