James McLean

With heavy hearts we are sharing the news that James H. McLean, a 54-year resident of Carmel, passed away peacefully on January 3rd, 2026, at the age of 87.
Jim was born on November 1, 1938, in Plainfield, New Jersey, to George and May McLean. He married his soulmate, Jo Ann (Bell) McLean, on December 21, 1963, and together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage. Jim was predeceased by Jo Ann and by his three sisters, Mae Doughty, Mildred Neylon, and Evelyn Erber.
He is survived by his three adoring children: James Scott McLean and his wife Donna; Sandra Huntz and her husband Robert; and Susan Howell and her husband Steve. Jim was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren-Kelly Dolan, Danielle McLean-Dalton, Rebecca O'Sullivan, Heather Roell, Megan Roell, Daniel Huntz, Devin Howell, Bradley Howell, and Zhenya Howell-and eight great-grandchildren: JJ, Brooklyn, and Madison Dolan; Riley and Penny Dalton; Cameron O'Sullivan; and Charlotte and Denver Howell, with another great-granddaughter expected later this month. Jim was also the loving grandfather of Robert James Huntz. He often said his grandchildren were not just his grandchildren, but his friends, a sentiment they wholeheartedly shared.
Jim graduated from American University, where he served as a two-year captain of the wrestling team and a fraternity brother of Alpha Sigma Pi. Before beginning his professional career, he proudly served two stints with the Army National Guard in El Paso, Texas.
Jim began his career in insurance with Chubb Insurance and Liberty Mutual in New York City. In 1976, he opened his own insurance agency in Patterson, New York, where he loved working with "the good people of downtown Patterson," before retiring in 2000. He also served for several years on the Vestry at the Church of the Holy Communion and was a dedicated member and contributor to the Patterson Lions Club.
Jim loved traveling with Jo Ann and faithfully followed his favorite sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox, Washington Redskins, and the UConn Women's Basketball Team. He would light up any room with his positive attitude and infectious smile and laugh, and he never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He will be missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
All Services for James will be private.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc., 10 Fowler Avenue, Carmel, NY 10512, 845-225-3672, www.cargainfuneralhomes.com.
We at Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc. are deeply committed to responsibly responding to the health, well-being, and needs of the families, guests and communities we are privileged to serve.