Specialist James Monroe McClain was a highly commended CPD officer

Contributed by the Family 

United States Marine Corps James Monroe McClain  was born July 1, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio to Alfred and Luvenga McClain. He attended Central High School where he participated in basketball and cross country and was educated in commercial foods. He graduated in 1964.

Four months later, on October 4, 1964, Mr. McClain enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His first assignment was as a Steward Cook at El Toro in California. Five months later, he attended Marine Security School, was promoted to Lance Corporal, and assigned to the State Department for 15 months. Then, Corporal McClain was sent to Bombay, India, to provide security for the American Consulate for another 15 months. Sergeant McClain was finally stationed at Tel Aviv, Israel, as security for the American Embassy and Classified Material. Sergeant McClain was honorably discharged on October 4, 1968.

In November 1968, he took a position with the Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company as an installer in the gas department.

On July 30, 1972, he joined the Cincinnati Police Division’s 57th Recruit Class. He was promoted to Patrolman on December 17, 1972, and assigned to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive). He also attended the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Criminal Justice, from 1975 to 1977. Eight years later, in October 1980, Officer McClain transferred to District 4 (4150 Reading Road). By the mid-1980s, Officer McClain was assigned as the Crime Prevention Officer. On January 28, 1990, he was promoted to Police Specialist and issued Badge PS-104. In May 1991, he was assigned to one of the Division’s first five Community-Oriented Police (COP) teams and was assigned to Walnut Hills. McClain, ending his career as a Neighborhood Officer in Paddock Hills, retired on November 8, 2003, with 35 years of service to his country and community and an astounding 109 letters of commendation and/or appreciation.

After retirement, he was awarded the Buffalo Soldiers Woods and Wanton Chapter Ring of Honor for his outstanding service.

He then moved to Florida and most recently resided in Oviedo.

Specialist McClain died on January 29, 2025.

He was predeceased by his brothers, John McClain and Albert David (Grace) McClain, and brother-in-law, William Crooks. Specialist McClain is survived by his wife of 13 years, Patrica Ann McClain; children, Nandita (Paul), Anjali, and Maurice McClain; grandchildren, Suriya, Brandon (Melissa), Shelby (Zach), and Courtney (Brandon); siblings, Oprah Crooks, Sheila McClain, Paul McElroy, Cherry (Oscar) Carson, Brenda (Ronald) Greenway, and retired Cincinnati Police Officer Daphne Law; and sisters-in-law, Gail McClain and Martha Dyson.

A memorial service was held February 12 at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 69 Lodge Hall, 1900 Central Parkway.