After a long illness, James “Jim” E. McClain, 89, of Minneapolis, KS passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at Cedarhurst Memory Care, Salina, KS. Jim was born on December 12, 1935, on the family farm near Gaylord, KS to Ernest and Fannie (Winters) McClain and graduated from Portis High School in 1953. After graduating Kansas Wesleyan University, Jim married Karen Wilson in November 1957 and started 67 years of marriage in Densmore, KS as a coach and teacher.
He continued his education at Fort Hays State during the summers and moved to Bennington, KS in 1962 to first serve as Principal of Bennington Public Schools, then following school unification in 1966 became Superintendent of USD 240, retiring in 1992.
Family and community were very important to Jim as he served on many boards and committees during his life including KSHSAA Executive Board. He was a member of the United Church of Bennington for over 60 years, was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a long-term member of Bennington Lions club and many other community organizations. Jim was also a founding member of the all-volunteer Bennington Ambulance Service and served as a volunteer EMT and Director for over 30 years. He also was appointed multiple times to the Kansas Board of Emergency Medical Services.
Jim was known for his deep bass voice and enjoyed singing with many groups and choirs over the years.
He is survived by his wife Karen, of the home, brothers Ernest “Buck” (Helen) McClain of Hesston, KS and Jack (Edith) McClain of Gaylord, KS; his sons, Scott (Donatta) McClain of Salina, KS and Kelly (Michelle) McClain of Gilbert, AZ; his four grandchildren, Nolan (Hanna) McClain of Tucson, AZ, Brianna McClain of Anchorage, AK, Jordan (Annemarie) McClain of Costa Mesa, CA and Kyle McClain of Gilbert, AZ; great-granddaughters, Thalia and Felicity and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Gwen “Punky” Nelson.
Visitation will be Wednesday July 30, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis. Memorial services will be Thursday July 31,2025 at 11:00 at the United Church of Bennington, Bennington. Inurnment will be in Gaylord at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the United Church of Bennington, the Bennington Senior Center or Bennington EMS and may be left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.