James Lewis McClain

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

Mr. McClain was born on Nov. 30, 1931, on a farm outside of Boaz.

Mr. McClain 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, he had also worked at the Smithland Lock and Dam. He was a licensed gun dealer for over 50 years. 

Mr. McClain was a member of the Anderson Cemetery Association in Massac County.

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

On March 4, 1975, he was elected to receive degrees from Grand Chain Masonic Lodge No. 660 AF & AM. He was initiated on March 4, 1975, then passed to Fellowcraft on April 15, 1975, and was raised to Master Mason on April 29, 1975. 

Mr. McClain 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 No. 195 and No. 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 No. 771.

Mr. McClain was preceded in death by his wife, Melba Jean Chandler in 1985; and by his father, Jack McClain, and his mother, Essie Barnett Lockett.

McClain is survived by many cousins and friends.

Funeral services honoring the life of Mr. James Lewis McClain were held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 24, at Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak. The Rev. Wiley Godfrey officiated. 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 to share a memory, visit website www.wilsonfuneralhome1928.com.

Wilson Funeral Home in Karnak was in charge of arrangements.