James D. McBain

James Donald McBain entered his eternal home in heaven on September 22, 2023, at the age of 93. He was born on June 18, 1930, in Toledo, Ohio, to Malcolm and Velma (nee Bayes) McBain. He spent many summers helping on the family farm in McBain, Michigan - a town his ancestors founded. Jim was an Eagle Scout, (Well, not officially. He claimed his Navy service qualified for the only badge he was missing: community service!) and excelled at track, swimming, and ice-skating. After graduating from High School in Comstock, Michigan, he then attended Western Michigan University. Jim joined the US Navy, trained at Great Lakes Naval Station, and served honorably in the Korean War. He spent most of his service aboard the USS Diphda and USS Midway. After his service, he moved to Dearborn, Michigan, to begin working at Ford Motor Company. On September 26, 1953, he married Alice (Trygstad) McBain. In 1979, he married Stephanie Drasin. Jim loved his 35-year career at Ford, in the Design Center, where he began as a clay modeler and moved up to manager before he retired. He was especially honored to have worked on the ’64 1/2 Mustang, as well as the Mustang 1 concept car. He also served as School Board President at St. Peter’s Lutheran School. In his free time, Jim enjoyed golfing, camping, fishing, hunting, motorcycle riding, traveling, and anything creative. He was always tinkering, carving, or just dreaming up his next project! Jim was happy to have moved back to Michigan, from his 20-year home of Florence, Oregon, to be closer to family. His long, full life provided endless material for the stories he loved to tell! He loved his family and his country! He will be dearly missed! He was predeceased by his parents: Malcolm and Velma; his wives: Alice and Stephanie; two brothers: Richard McBain and Donald McBain; two sisters: Patricia Fullagar and Barbara Swinehart; and his daughter: Dawn Susan Foster. He is survived by his children: Lynn (Paul) Shonts, James (Kim) McBain Jr., Carol (Randall) Smith, Russell (Roseann) McBain, Gail McBain, Jane (Ken) Bully, and Amy McBain; 22 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters: Jeanne (Glen) Scolfield, and Katie McBain; and his special companion, Jennie. He is also survived by Stephanie’s daughters: Lori (Brian) Baker, Shelley Luth, and Elizabeth Moore, along with 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 1 – 4 PM, at Naparuha Farm, 9580 Ford Rd, Plymouth, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Henry Ford, online at www.thehenryford.org/support. To share a memory, please use the Share a memory tab on this webpage.

James D. McBain

June 18, 1930 - September 22, 2023