James Mclain

James Edward McLain ( Jimbo) 62 years young. Born November 17th 1952 in Tacoma Washington, Passed October 24th 2015 in Yakima, Washington. Jim lived a life where having a good time was always priority. He fully enjoyed the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fishermen. Summers were often spent fishing and camping with his partner and wife Debbie. As hunting season arrived, he, his great friend Don Schlaman and his son Travis McLain would plan their yearly outing, often they would return with their prize deer or elk. Jim frequently would fantasize about living in a small cabin in nature, away from everything, or finding some deserted island in the middle of nowhere, and living off the land. Nature was his true happy place and element, which he instilled in his family. In his early years Jim moved frequently with his mother Mary McLain (Heyer) and Grandmother Ruth Cundiff, eventually they found a home in Arizona where he spent most of his Adolescence and early adult life. He and his wife Debbie met in Arizona around the age of 17, they were married at the age of 22 on September 28th 1973, however, they celebrated their anniversary on Sept 25th for decades and recently discovered they actual date was September 28th. If you knew Jim this would be no surprise to you, nor would it be a surprise that his response was a laugh, and as he would say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. In Jim and Debbie’s mid 20’s they decided to move to Washington State. They bought a home and had the apple orchard in Mabton,Washington. They had the help of Jim’s mother for much of the labor and hard work. After several years Jim and Debbie were expecting their first child, Travis McLain and 18 months later the 2nd child Terra McLain. After having children, Jim and Debbie decided they needed a more stable financial situation, so Jim went back to school. He drove every day from Mabton to Yakima, attended the orchard and his family with two small children for four years, all so his family could have a better life. He Graduated from the Radiological Technology program at Y.V.C.C. and worked for 22 years at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Which indeed provided his family with a more stable life. Everyone who knew Jim always referred to him as fun, free spirited and as someone who knew how to enjoy life. Everyone in life has something to teach people and I would say he taught people how to have fun and not worry about the things we can’t change. Again, as he said so many times, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. He was and will always be remembered for his low stress carefree attitude and amusing perspective on life. Jim was survived by his two children Travis McLain, Terra McLain, wife Debbie McLain, sister Sandy Cravy and mother Mary Heyer. A celebration of life service is tentatively planned for Saturday, October 31st at New Hope Community Church, in Terrace Heights. Valley Hills Funeral Home is caring for the family. Online condolences may be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Mclain, please visit our flower store.