James "Jim" L. McCain

James Leo McCain of Howard, SD, husband, father, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, and friend to many, passed away on Sunday, April 7th, 2019 at The Good Samaritan Society, in Howard, SD. Services will be in Howard with a visitation from 5-7pm on Friday, April 12th, at Willoughby Funeral Home, and funeral at Beach United Methodist Church,11 am on Saturday, April 13th.

Born May 7th, 1935, in Ramona, SD to George and Helen (Cavanaugh) McCain, Jim started his life on a farm, working the ground, and to the end of his life, gardening and outside work were some of his greatest loves.  At age 9, his family moved to outside of Howard where he farmed with his father and siblings until 1957 when he joined the United States Army,  stationed at Ft. Carson Colorado along with Germany, being honorably discharged in 1959.  Upon returning to the states, he was married to Gloria Seitz of Madison, SD on September 20, 1959, and they continued to farm until moving to Howard in 1965.  Jim worked at the Howard Elevator for a short time, then for 32 years at the Miner County Courthouse as a custodian and 43 years for the Howard School District driving bus.  His love of all children and joking manner has influenced so many along the way,  “Christmas in July” was always a threat but the real Christmas holds memories of tricks and pranks so thoughtfully prepared.  Along with his “real” jobs, Jim was the official observer of the daily weather in Howard for the National Weather Service, drove the Howard Ambulance, helped at the funeral home, shoveled snow, mowed lawns, planted flowers for the city, numerous church jobs for Beach United Methodist Church, and above all a sports fan to the core!  You could always find Jim supporting his family at their sporting events, as well as the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Socks.  One of Jim’s proudest memories was receiving a “Life Long Pass” to the Hanson Classic games held in Mitchell every winter.  Jim and Gloria, along with three other couples, attended  the State Boys Basketball Tournaments for 43 consecutive years only stopping when Jim’s health no longer allowed him.  He will forever be remembered for his powerful faith, teasing jokes, unfailing work ethic and love of family and friends.

Grateful and thankful for his life, are his wife Gloria, two children, Timothy (Karmen) McCain of Mitchell SD, Lorna (Ken Peters) of Sioux Falls, SD.  Five grandchildren, Leslie (Ben) Tronnes, Lisa (Jimmy) Kleinsasser, Amy (Josh) Paulson, Courtney Peters, Elliott (Anny Hoben) Peters, Two Step-Grandchildren, Seth (Becky) Neuharth, Kadie Neuharth, Seven Great Grandchildren, Joslyn, Nora & Tabor Tronnes, Rylin & Marleigh Kleinsasser, Autumn Paulson, Jack Peters, Three Step Great Grandchildren, Will, Eden & Roslyn Neuharth, Sister, Rose of Rapid City, SD, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob and Vince McCain, sisters, Florence Doty and Betty McCain.

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