McClain, John R.
07/20/1953 - 11/23/2022
John Robert McClain passed away surrounded by his family on November 23, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his children, Laura Wright (Andrew), Michael McClain (Ashley), John McClain, and Toni Beck (Michael), nine grandchildren, Anna, John Luke, Mikey, Grant, Will, Mason, Logan, Harrison, and Ellie, his sister, Christina Lawless (Joe), his nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
John was born on July 20, 1953, to Janet and Robert McClain. His older sister, Christina, loved him and was always looking out for him. He was a fun-loving kid who loved sports, little green army men, and getting into mischief with his friends.
John graduated from Rocky River High School in 1971 and went on to play varsity soccer at Ohio State University. He was the captain of the team and won the Big 10 Championship his senior year. While doing post graduate work at Ohio State, John met his future wife, Joyce. They got married on November 27, 1976, and moved to Denver, Colorado where they raised their four children.
John was a successful entrepreneur who founded and worked as the president of two produce brokerages: Alpine Summit Sales, and J&J Sales Inc. He was a talented soccer coach for Colorado Rush, Real Colorado and J.K. Mullen High School and helped develop many young players who went on to play collegiate and professional soccer. He spent his free time coaching, watching his grandchildren play sports, riding his bike, walking his dogs, taking trips to Cabo, and having family dinners. He will be remembered for his coach-ready fashion aesthetic, his sense of humor, his absolute passion of all things soccer, his incredible generosity, humility, and immense love for his family.
Given John's love for the beautiful game, the family is requesting donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Real Colorado, J. McClain Memorial Fund. This fund enables children who couldn't otherwise afford to play soccer, to join the game. Donations can be made here - https://www.realcolorado.net/colorado-gives-scholarship. Please click on the green "Donate Now" button and select "J. McClain Memorial Fund" under the designation pull down menu.
Charles Wright
I am sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a fun loving guy and a talented all around athlete. We both roomed on the same floor of Smith-Steeb Hall at the Ohio State University. I remember him to be a magician with a soccer ball.
I am glad that he had a fulfilling life as a husband, father, entrepeneur, coach and mentor.