James Philip Cleary

Dr. James Cleary, 75, passed away in Minneapolis on April 25, 2026, after a long battle with illness. He was surrounded by family and Irish music.

Among the many achievements of his well-lived life, Jim was especially proud of his work in the area of Alzheimer’s Disease research, as Associate Director for Research at GRECC and the Minneapolis VA, as a member of the Grossman Center for Memory Research, as an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, and as an ETS Walton Visiting Scholar at Trinity College Dublin. After his retirement, Jim self-published a book of his own writing and poetry.

Jim is remembered for his claim to be the exiled King of Ireland, his firm belief that the truth should not get in the way of a good story, and his unending desire to continue learning. Unfortunately, he also had an unending desire to share what he learned, whether anyone wanted him to or not.

He loved the Packers, the Badgers, and any team his girls played on. He did not drink tequila, but enjoyed wine, good food, and good company. Most of all, he loved the life he built with his wife, Judy, his daughters, Kathleen, Maureen, and Molly and their partners, and his grandchildren.

At Jim’s request, there will be no funeral service. There will, however, be a proper Irish wake at a celebratory gathering this summer. Details will follow.

In Jim’s honor, please donate to a charity of your choice. A few organizations close to his heart:

Dorothy Day Center, St. Paul: 

Grossman Center for Memory Research: