James Jefferson McLain

James Jefferson “Jim” McLain, born in Wheeling, West Virginia on October 23, 1940, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023. He was the son of William Watkins McLain and Katherine Jane Jefferson and was the devoted husband of Patricia Linda Hale McLain.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Soline Delvaille Holmes (James Holmes); his granddaughter, Catherine Blaney Holmes; his brother, David Louis Doepken; and numerous friends.

He graduated from Tridelphia High School, Kenyon College, and the University of Pittsburgh where he obtained his PhD. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in England (RAF Lakenheath) where he met his wife of over 50 years.

In New Orleans, he owned an antique store, Relics, for many years. He was a Professor of Economics at the University of New Orleans (tenured) and at Tulane University. For many years, he conducted and authored the Economics of Mardi Gras impact study for the City of New Orleans. He was also the author of The Economic Writings of du Pont de Nemours and Unemployment in West Virginia and Its Solution. He also spent many years accompanying his wife and daughter to theatrical rehearsals and performances around New Orleans.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Leitz Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie, LA. Visitation will be held from 11AM – 1PM with a prayer service to begin at 1PM. Interment will follow at St. Louis #3 Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Friends of the New Orleans Public Library or in his name to the American Heart Association.