John Franklin McClain Jr.

John Franklin McClain Jr. (CDR, USNR (Ret)) of Oxnard passed away on Monday, November 30, 2015, from pneumonia and congestive heart failure. John, born in San Francisco in 1919 and raised in a US Navy family, is survived by his wife, Esther Wagner McClain; his two sons, Jeff (Linda) and Frank (Julie); grandchildren, Greg (Kate), Darren, and Tracey; great-grandchildren, Scott and Ian; and “other daughter-in-law” Jane Endacott.

John attended Punahou School in Hawaii, Coronado (CA) High School, and graduated from the California Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering. His first civilian job was with the California Division of Highways where he worked on the first freeways in Los Angeles. John joined the Naval Reserve during WW II and was called to active duty during the Korean War. He remained on active duty until 1959 and then worked as Ingalls Shipbuilding’s liaison officer at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA. He subsequently worked for Westinghouse in Vallejo and in 1966 moved to Oxnard to work at NEMISIS at Port Hueneme, retiring in 1979.

John loved building things large and small. He was an avid train collector and model builder. He played football in Coronado and at Cal Tech, remaining a fan throughout his life. John was a member of MOAA and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Ventura, and also volunteered at St. John’s Hospital from 1979 until earlier this year.

His family was his greatest priority, and he frequently said, “I have the best family in the world.” He supported his sons’ activities as Little League coach, swim meet timer, and attended all their football games and youth symphony concerts.

Most dear to his heart was his wife, Esther, who was 18 when they met and was 19 when they married. They celebrated 71 years of marriage this year. She says that no matter what had gone on that day, they never went to sleep without a kiss and “I love you”.

A generous and loving man, he will be truly missed and well-remembered by his family and many friends.

Services and reception will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, in Ventura, at 11 o’clock on Saturday, December 19th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the charity of the givers’ choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com