Jack McCain Jr

 Jack Parnell McCain Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, civic leader, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on October 5, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on August 11, 1934, in Texarkana, AR, to Jack Parnell McCain, Sr. and LaVada “Kitty” McCain, he lived a life characterized by hard work, integrity, service, and a deep love for his family and community. For more than seven decades, Natchitoches was his home, and through his leadership, generosity, and commitment to public service, he helped shape the community he cherished. Jack moved to Natchitoches in 1949 and entered Natchitoches High School as a sophomore. He later attended Northwestern State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 1957. While at Northwestern, he was a member of the ROTC program and distinguished himself as the charter president of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi in 1956, where he was recognized as the chapter's top-ranking member. His love for Northwestern State remained throughout his life, and he took great pride in the institution and its traditions. In 1959, he married the former Mary Beth Person, beginning a partnership that would span 58 years and serve as the foundation of a close-knit and loving family. Together they raised three sons: Jack Parnell McCain III, John Shelby McCain, and Jason Mayfield McCain. Family was the center of his life, and he found immense joy in the accomplishments and happiness of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After graduating from Northwestern, he began his professional career with a pipeline company in Shreveport before joining Procter & Gamble in Tyler, TX. In 1969, he returned to Natchitoches with his family and partnered with his father to establish McCain Auto Supply, Inc. Through honesty, dedication, and exceptional customer service, the business became a respected fixture in the community. One of his greatest professional joys came when his son, Jack III, joined the family business following his graduation from Northwestern State University. This father and son worked side by side for many years until they sold the business in 2020. Jack's commitment to Natchitoches extended far beyond the business community. In 1988, he was elected to the Natchitoches City Council, where he served six terms with distinction and a steadfast commitment to the citizens he represented. He was named the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 1983 and served as Chamber president the following year. His leadership and volunteer service also included terms as president of the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club and service on the Natchitoches 911 Commission, the Natchitoches Airport Advisory Board, and the Natchitoches Council on Aging. A licensed pilot, Jack maintained a lifelong passion for aviation and was a familiar and respected presence at the Natchitoches Regional Airport. Whether through business, civic service, or aviation, he built enduring friendships and earned the admiration of those who knew him. In recognition of his many contributions, he was honored as a Natchitoches Treasure in 2019. He was also inducted into Northwestern State University's inaugural Greek 100 of 100, celebrating a century of Greek life and recognizing alumni whose achievements and service reflected the highest ideals of the university. Following the death of Mary Beth, he was blessed to find companionship and happiness later in life through his marriage to Shirley Buckelew Dunagan McCain. Together they shared years of friendship, love, and mutual support. Those who knew Jack will remember his steady character, quiet wisdom, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. He believed in giving back, treating others with respect, and leaving every place better than he found it. His legacy lives on not only in the institutions and organizations he helped strengthen, but also in the countless lives he touched through his kindness and example. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Beth; and his sons, John Shelby McCain and Jason Mayfield McCain. He leaves his son, Jack Parnell McCain III and wife, Jan; his wife, Shirley Buckelew Dunagan McCain; his grandchildren, Shelby McCain Mallett (Sasha), Mallory McCain Edens (Jason), and Tyler Mayfield McCain; his great-grandchildren, Evelyn Edens, Patrick Edens, Tessa Mallet, and Lucy Mallett (due to arrive Oct.27); and his stepchildren, Cherie Kay Dunagan Maynard and husband, Jon, and Thomas Lynn Dunagan and wife, DeeDee. He is also survived by numerous extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. The family extends heartfelt appreciation to his devoted caregivers, Debra Cooper and Nikki Dunagan; Hospice of Natchitoches; Dr. Furqan Akhtar; and the staff of the Cancer Care Center at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center for the compassionate care, comfort, and support provided during his final days. A celebration of Jack's life will be held on Friday,Oct. 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches with Dr. Tommy Rush officiating and words offered by the Rev. Louis Sklar and Louie Bernard. Interment will follow at Memory Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the church, under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler McCain, Wayne McCullen, Lee Posey, Aaron Odom, Jimmy DeBlieux, and Jason Edens. Honorary pallbearers will be the 1956 founding members of Beta Omicron chapter of Phi Kappa Phi. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the John and Jason McCain Scholarship through the Northwestern State University Foundation (Student Services Center, Natchitoches, LA 71497).