He was a retired boiler consultant for Systems Contracting, a United States Air Force Veteran and a member of Lacey United Methodist Church. He was a loving husband, daddy, grandfather and his grandchildren were the love of his life. James was a people person that always enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He was a charter member of W.W. Hunting Club, a 32nddegree Mason belonging to Lodge 604 in Streator, Illinois and also belonged to the pipefitters local 706 out of El Dorado. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Jay McClain; a son-in-law, Jimmy E Haynes; a great-grandson, Kyle Craig; one brother, Charles McClain; and one sister, Jo Ann Burch.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Gwen Slaughter McClain of Lacey; three daughters, Debbie Haynes of Fountain Hill, Jan Sharrick and husband Brent of Crossett and Teresa Swan of Crossett; two sisters, Audrey Stephenson of Crossett and Shirley Haskew of Monticello; a sister-in-law Mary Ellen McClain of Crossett; six grandchildren, Jimmy Haynes and wife Angela of Hamburg, Christy Longnecker and husband Sean of Stuttgart, Brandi Culp and husband Matthew of Crossett, Keri Brooks and husband Monty of Crossett, J. J. McClain and wife Christy of Dallas, TX and Casey Craig of Hamburg, AR; and twelve great-grandchildren.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com. Memorials may be given to: Lacey United Methodist Church c/o Sherry Wallis, 2540 Prairie Rd, Monticello, AR 71655 or Lacey Cemetery Assoc., c/o Roy Alan White, 671 Hwy 133 Fountain Hill, AR 71642.
Condolences(17)
Tim Tatum
Memphis, TN Monday, May 23, 2016 Dear Family,My thoughts and prayers of peace are with you at this time. I know each of you have wonderful memories of James to sustain you for a life time. I will never forger his love and devotion to his entire family and how proud he was of all of you. I will always remember being greeted by "hey Timmy". I will always miss the family reunions that he was so excited to plan. I love you all and may God give you comfort during this sad time.
Anthony Morgan
Dermott, AR Saturday, May 21, 2016 Miss Debbie and familyI am so sorry to hear about Mr. James my heart goes out to you all during this time but I also have to smile when I think of the great family he has raised and left behind to carry on
Remember he is a part of you all and will be with you always our prayers are with you during this time of grief
Anthony
Byron & Mary Jo Jones
Crossett, AR Saturday, May 21, 2016 To Gwen and family, James was a great friend and will be missed by many. His wit and humor will not be forgotten by his many co-workers through the years. Our love and prayers are with you . Byron and Mary JoShelia Cassity
Crossett, AR Friday, May 20, 2016 I am so sorry for your lose. If there is anything we can do please let us know. We will be praying for all the family.Lisa strickland
, TX Friday, May 20, 2016 So sorry for your loss. Prayers for y'all during this difficult time. Scott is in Ohio on a job and he sends his prayers also he also thought allot of Mr James.Jim Glennon
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 19, 2016 So very sad for your loss. Deepest condolences to the family.LaNell McKiever
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 19, 2016 Gwen, so sorry for you and your families loss. I remember the good times we had in school, time catches up with all of us and we can't keep up to stay in contact, still remember the day on your way from the hospital with your baby, Jay. Always thought of you and James, Debbie and Jan. Loss touch but you are still in my thoughts. Take care of yourself.NORMAN AND SUSIE CHADWICK
WILMAR, AR Thursday, May 19, 2016 OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME. ANOTHER WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN HAS JOINED JAY IN HEAVEN. MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU AND HELP WITH THE PAIN I KNOW YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.Joe Miles
Monticello, AR Thursday, May 19, 2016 My regrets ,to the family . Mr James was a fine man whom left his foot print in life for those who knew and will be joining his fine son Jay whom left way to soon but left deep heart felt memories of them both ,that were loved by many. . . Best of memories Joe and Denise MilesSandy & Chas LaVersa
Plaistow, NH Thursday, May 19, 2016 We were so sorry to hear of your beloved loss. We send our deepest sympathies and love to the whole family. Sincerely, Sandy and ChasCharlotte Miller
Crossett, AR Thursday, May 19, 2016 Bobby and I are saddened to hear of James' passing. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.Patricia Haskew Armour
, TX Wednesday, May 18, 2016 In loving memory of my Uncle James.Tiffany White Lisemby
White Hall, AR Wednesday, May 18, 2016 I am so saddened to hear this news. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love your family so much.Tony & Betty Peebles
Lacey, AR Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Prayers to Gwen & all family members, James was a great neighbor & friend. He will be missed by many especially at the W W Deer Camp. RIP JamesCarl Sivils
El Dorado, AR Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Dear McClain Family,I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. James' passing. You are in my prayers.
Walter Chapman
Monticello, AR Wednesday, May 18, 2016 Gwen, So sorry to hear of James' passing. My prayers are with you.Mecheal Mashburn
Hamburg, AR Wednesday, May 18, 2016 My deepest condolences to the entire family. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. What a sweet man Mr. James was.