James Lewis McClain

1931 - 2022

James Lewis McClain, 90, of rural Karnak (Massac County), passed away at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at the Metropolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

James was born Nov. 30, 1931, on a farm outside of Boaz, Illinois.

James was a graduate of the Karnak Community High School. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Karnak. He enjoyed woodworking and raising his horses. He had taught at the Joppa Grade School and was also a basketball coach. He was a self employed carpenter. In earlier years James had also worked at the Smithland Lock and Dam. He was a licensed gun dealer for over 50 years. James also was a member of the Anderson Cemetery Association in Massac County.

James was very active in the Masonic Lodge and took great pride in it.

On March 4, 1975, James was elected to receive degrees from the Grand Chain Masonic Lodge #660 AF & AM. He was initiated March 4, 1975, then passed to Fellowcraft on April 15, 1975, and raised to Master Mason on April 29, 1975. James served as master of his lodge in 1978. In 1980, he began as secretary which lasted 10 years. Wanting to advance further in Masonry he passed the exam for certified lodge instructor in 1990. He was bestowed the title of grand lodge instructor. Other honors that were bestowed were the assistant district grand master in 1992, district lodge instructor #195 and #205. He was honored by the 19th Southern District for special contributions. He was a honorary member of all lodges in the 19th Southern District as well as many many other lodges for several years. He assisted in teaching and preparing others to pass the exams for advancement. He was most recently a member of the Bay City Lodge #771.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Jean Chandler, in 1985; parents, Jack and Essie Locket McClain.

James is survived by many cousins and friends.

Funeral services with Masonic Rites honoring the life of Mr. James Lewis McClain were held Friday, June 24, 2022 at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak. Rev. Wiley Godfrey officiated. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until the service hour. Masonic Rites were accorded at 10 a.m. Interment followed at the Anderson Cemetery near Boaz in rural Massac County.

Pallbearers were Rusty Blanchard, Corey Willenborg, David Miller, Philip Barnett, William Wells, Bill Wilke, Mason Bremer and Dan Bremer.

Honorary pallbearer was Deon Peck.

To leave an online message or share a memory you can also visit our website www.wilsonfuneral

home1928.com.