Mr. James G. McClain

James Gary McClain, my father is a great and wonderful man. He was born on December 22, 1952 in Andalusia, Alabama where he lived with his mother Gwendolyn McClain, his sister Patrice McClain, brother’s Byron and Gregory McClain, along with his cousins, aunts and uncles. My father was an honor student during his high school years at Andalusia High and continued his education at Alabama State University. James left Andalusia in 1973 to join the Navy and started his carrier. He received many honors and awards and traveled all over the world eventually ending up in San Diego, CA. While living in San Diego he met and married Bie Hou. Bie had two children prior to her meeting James. Bie’s daughter Karee gave birth to her son (me) on July 22, 1982. My biological father was absent in my life as a young baby and my Dad James took me in as his own son and has taken care of me since birth.

My dad was a great provider always putting his family first. After twenty-two years in the Navy, he decided to retire and take some time off. After a little time off, James joined the Merchant Marines and was employed there for about fifteen years until an injury to his hip ended his carrier. During his time away from the Merchant Marines he was able to see his me grow up to be the man he shaped me to be. My dad was able to see his only son get married and be there for the birth of his grandson Charles Tyson Bright. I remember my dad mentioning to me that the most, happiest moments of his life are the ones he shared with his family and friends.

In mid November 2010, my dad became very ill and we eventually found out that he had colon cancer that had spread to his liver. After this news, I was absolutely devastated. My dad then took my hand and held it, then said these words “Don’t worry son, you’ll be fine and you will always be my baby”. In a matter of just six weeks from the time he was diagnosed with cancer, my loving father James Gary McClain passed away on December 29, 2010 in his home at the age of fifty eight. James is a wonderful, humorous, self-less, smart, and much loved man who only thought about his family. My father did whatever it took to make sure we were taken care of and did not worry about his own well being. I love and miss him dearly.