James "Whitey" Douglas McClain, the son of Guy Newton and Virgie Matilda (Stone) McClain, was born June 20, 1935, in rural Henderson, IA.  James died May 10, 2023, at his home in at the age of 87 years, 10 months and 20 days.

James attended country school #8 until the 6th grade and country school #5 for 7th grade.  He then attended school in Macedonia, graduating from Macedonia High School with the class of 1953.  James enlisted in the Army and served his country during the Korean War.  On August 29, 1953, he was united in marriage to Connie Mae Aukland near Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.  After being discharged from the Army in 1956, James and Connie moved to a farm west of Macedonia.  They farmed in the Macedonia area throughout their careers, raising livestock and crops.  They purchased the family farm in 1977 and continued to farm until retirement in 2005.  James and Connie moved to Carson after their retirement.

James was a member of the Wheeler Grove Church, Ark Lodge #335 A.F. & A.M., where he had been recognized as a 50 year member, and the Ruby Smith American Legion.  He enjoyed Bible study and loved attending his children's, grandchildren's, and great grandchildren's activities.  James and Connie enjoyed participating in church and community activities, especially Macedonia community cantatas and the Grove Gospel Singers.

James is preceded in death by his wife Connie in 2007; his parents; and his sister Betty Joan Hobson.

James is survived by his three children: Terry (Gladys) McClain of Carson, Donna McClain of Carson, and Carol "Zip" (Jim) Byriel of Ames; his grandchildren: Casey McClain of Boone, Ashley (Randy) Evans of Carson, Brett (Ariana) Byriel of Minneapolis, and Kelli Byriel of Ames; his great-grandchildren: Lily, Clara, Nora, Nell and Ava; his grand-daughter-in-law, NiCole McClain of Story City; his brother David (Linda) McClain of Rockwell City; and his brother-in-law Gary (Betty) Aukland of Carson.  He is also survived by many other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for James will be on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at the Wheeler Grove Church, east of Carson. Visitation with the family will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Wheeler Grove Cemetery. Rieken Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland is assisting the family.