The Paved Journey of James Edward McClain
The Jim McClain story began February 4, 1931 in Union Springs, Alabama. He was the son of Moe Calhoun and Iveain Williams.
In 1945 James and Big Mama relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan. At age 15, his physical mobility was affected by the then dreadful polio paralysis.
This disease may have slowed Jim's speed but never his personal enthusiasm for work accomplishments and high goals.
James was introduced to Catherine Worrens, by her sister Veeola, the summer of 1950.
Seven months later, February 17, 1951 the two exchanged vows to love, honor cherish and obey….til death do us part. This union birthed seven wonderful children, four daughters and three sons.
Jim McClain united with St Mary's Temple of Peace under the pastorate of Rev. Jessie White. He worked with the church in the area of finance and expansion.
In 1976, Jim McClain purchased 10 acres of property Hudsonville, MI. He built a four-bedroom home for his family complete with two baths, recreation room and a family den. The McClain's were the first Black family to build a home in Hudsonville, Michigan.
Our baby sister, Mozella was among the first Blacks to graduate from Hudsonville High School.
Our father was businessminded and always wanted to know what people could do to make a difference and he wasn't afraid to try. In 1965, Jim McClain opened Kelly's Drive-in, selling sandwiches and soul food dinners. In 1969 he sold the business to Gullick & Sherman. He purchased the old "Varsity Grill" opening Jim's BBQ in 1979. In 1976 daddy left Woodland Construction Company and started Jim's Asphalt. It was the first and for years "the only Phase 3 Minority Contractor" in the City of Grand Rapids. It was a trusted company and has much history in the City of Grand Rapids. Jim's Asphalt paved US 131 from the Dorr Exit to Kalamazoo, MI, several streets in Spring Lake Michigan, area churches, businesses which included the Madison Square Business complex, curbs, gutters, drive approaches, sidewalks and parking lots. Jim's Asphalt paved the street from West Fulton to Fuller SE.
Asphalt is hard work. Unlike today's asphalt companies, earlier asphalting work was done with bare hands, sweat and muscle.
In 1998 Jim McClain retired from the asphalt business. His son, Ellis, became owner and manager.
In 2012, James McClain was awarded the Milo Brown Business Giant Award, honoring his "being a pioneer in many areas."
A man of our times, James Edward McClain, is now walking the streets of gold and basking in the heaven with his parents, one daughter: Claudia Joan McClain, four brothers: Ernest McClain, Tom McClain, Willie Frank McClain, James Ellis McClain, nine sisters: Carrie Griggs, Mattie Henderson, Charlie Lou Harris, Eula Mae Johnson, Queen Esther Scott, Doris Elder, Leslie Mae Jernigan, Mozell King, Juanita Penn and one granddaughter, HardicaWatkins.
Cherishing his memory forever is his beloved wife of 70 years; Catherine, three sons: Steve (Margaret) Mc- Clain, Clifford James (Desiree) McClain of Charlotte, NC, Ellis (Kathy) McClain of Grand Rapids MI, three daughters: Gabrielle (George) Cooperwood, Carlas (Robert) Gordon, Mozella (Duane) Reed of Fayetteville, GA, two brothers: Thomas (Alma) Calhoun, Union Springs, AL, Robert (Susie) Calhoun, Decatur, GA, two sisters: Catherine Hough, Linda Calhoun, Decatur, GA, 32 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, 22 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Tagged in: