James (Jim) Harrison McClain, age 85 of Lake Wylie, SC ended his courageous fight with COPD surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 6, 2021.  He was the beloved husband to Jerene (Jere) McClain, loving father of Jeff McClain, John (Jenny) McClain and Jennifer (Bruce) Nuzum; dear grandfather of Michael, Alex, Jack, Madison and Ella.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents Arden (Mac) and Doris McClain and by his brother John McClain.

Jim was born on March 27, 1935 in Des Moines, IA.  Jim graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, IA in 1953 where he was a 5 sport letter winner.  Jim continued his education at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA graduating with B.S. in Political Science in 1957.  During his college experience he enjoyed his time on campus and being a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.  After graduation, he married his wife of 63 years, Jerene and served in the U.S. Army.  He continued in the Army Reserve for an additional 20 years holding the position of Captain.

Upon completing his initial service, Jim built a successful career in human resources and loved sharing his knowledge through training, coaching and helping others along their path.  He began working at Northwestern Bell Telephone  (Sioux Falls, SD) progressing to International Multifoods (Minneapolis, MN) and the Productivity Center (Houston, TX) rounding out his career with Griffith Laboratory (Chicago, IL) prior to retiring to South Carolina and leaving Midwest winters behind.

Jim was a sports enthusiast, an accomplished tennis player and enjoyed golfing with his friends. Jim lived his exemplary life with an innate kindness and people always felt instantly welcomed by him. He was an avid storyteller and utilized his quick wit, laced at time with sarcasm and laughter.  Those who knew him were the recipients and beneficiaries of the strength, the warmth, generosity and wisdom that he radiated.

He left behind a legacy of love, hard work, perseverance and a sense of order where all things had their place and a place for all things which will forever remain in the hearts of his family.

Jim’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Providence Care hospice for all their help and support.  They are comforted knowing there is now peace for Jim and could live out his days on his terms.

Your kindness and sympathy at this time is more deeply appreciated than any word of thanks can ever express.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a date in the future. Memorials may be made to: The Journey at Lake Wylie located at 5415 Hwy 557, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.