Obituary: James L. McLean

Mr. McLean

Mr. McLean

James L. McLean, age 62, was called to Heaven on June 20, 2009, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. with his wife and daughters at his side. He was ready to go, and knew he would be home with his Heavenly Father. He was born on Sept. 2, 1946 in Chicago, Ill. He was the younger son of Andrew and Geraldine McLean.

This is not good-bye, but rather "see you later."

As a child growing up as a military brat Jim lived in Japan, Puerto Rico, Panama and numerous states in the U.S. Jim graduated from high school in 1964 from Grand Forks Central High School in Grand Forks, N.D. He was drafted into the Army in 1967 and assigned to the Chemical Corp with service in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1969. He was in the National Guard for 14 years. He obtained the rank of Captain in the North Dakota and New York National Guard. Jim received his bachelor's degree in Philosophy at the University of North Dakota (UND) in 1972 and his Master of Arts degree in 1973. His work career included being a Vet Rep on the UND Campus in the early '70s; Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Vet Center Team Leader (Fargo, N.D.) and Domiciliary Chief (Bath, N.Y.; Milwaukee, Wis. and Prescott, Ariz.) with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He also obtained his Diplomat Status with the American College of Healthcare in 1994. He retired from the VA after 25 years of service in 1997. Everyone loved Jim's sense of humor and the ability to make you laugh even in his last days. His familiar voice with his deliberate intonations would often times carry the intent of his message. He was always there when someone needed him and would often drop whatever he was doing to help family or friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. We will miss his famous words of advice and his loving compassion. He most certainly "lived the good life."

Jim and his wife Corrine, shared 32 wonderful years together. Jim had many joys in life. He was an avid pilot, enjoying flights with Meagan, his daughter and favorite co-pilot. He loved to fly and loved God's blue sky. He flew to local fly-ins and won an award for his Ercoupe. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and flew to the annual EAA Fly-In at Oshkosh, Wis. that resulted in many exciting stories. He also enjoyed the yearly family trips to Lake Havasu.

Jim and his family were able to enjoy many trips to Hawaii. He loved the beautiful land and snorkeling in the blue waters of Hawaii. Other hobbies included shooting, fishing, camping and riding his Harley Davidson and four-wheeling in the Rhino.

He is survived by wife, Corrine; daughter Meagan (Chris) Anderson of Prescott Valley, Ariz.; grandkids, Tyler and Caylie Anderson; daughters, Shanynn Mclean of Grand Forks, N.D. and Shelby McLean of Milwaukee Wis.; son Scott Mclean of Wasilla, Alaska; grandkids, Cody, Skylar and Brooks. He was blessed with five beautiful grandkids that will greatly miss their Papa. Spending time with his grandchildren was one thing Jim cherished most. He is also survived by his brother Tom (Susie) Mclean of Orange, Calif.; nieces, Michelle McLean of Long Beach, Calif., Geraldine (Daniel) Csaszar of San Diego, Calif.; great-nieces and nephew Jessica, Haley and Thomas.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Geraldine McLean.

A special "thank you" to the staff at Northern Arizona Oncology...Dr. Vu, the nurses and staff are absolutely amazing. You gave such great care to Jim; he loved you all. Also, a big thank you to Dr. Barbara Wich at the VA Hospital and the Radiology Department nurses at YRMC. You showed compassion and professionalism.

You are our biggest hero; we love you dad; watch over your grandbabies. May you rest in the calmness of God's peace.

Jim's Celebration of Life will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Prescott Valley.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made in Jim's name to the Prostate Cancer society online eat www.ustoointernational.org or Angel Flight online at www.angelflight.org.

Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel assisted the family with the arrangements.

Information provided by survivors.


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