James H. McClain, DPM, died Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at his home at the age of 64. He was born in Kalamazoo on Oct. 22, 1954 the son of G. Henry McClain and J. Jean (Simpson) McClain. Jim graduated from Mendon High School in 1973 and earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University. Jim graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in 1980 and did his surgical residency at Msgr. Kern Hospital in Warren, MI. He began his own practice in Kalamazoo with a satellite office in Sturgis. He then opened a permanent office in Sturgis and Coldwater where he practiced for the next 32 years, and at the Specialty Clinic in Three Rivers for 17 years.
Dr. McClain was a member of the American and Michigan Podiatric Medical Associations; the American Board of Podiatric Surgery; and the St. Joseph and Branch County Medical Societies. He loved animals, hiking nature trails, and horse-back riding. He learned how to make hunting knives and taught himself to build furniture in many styles, including Industrial Chic.
Dr. Jim was married to Mary Werenicz on May 29, 1982 in Chicago. She survives along with two daughters, Lauren Sigourney McClain of St. Petersburg, FL and Rachel (Bobby) Fuentes of Canton, MI; three brothers, John (Patty) McClain of Three Rivers, Tom (Cheryl) McClain of Sun City, AZ, and Dick (Kim) McClain of South Bend; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a sister, Dana Lohraff.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Saturday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 at the funeral home with his friend, Dr. Robert Perra officiating. Burial will be in Mendon Cemetery. It is suggested that memorials be directed to either the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to Karmanos Cancer Institute. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com