James H. McNair

We gather in solemn remembrance to celebrate the life of James “Jim” Hueston McNair, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Born under the Florida sun on March 30, 1947, Jim’s journey was one marked by adventure, dedication, love, and an unwavering sense of duty. Jim passed suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart-related condition in his home on May 7, 2024. Jim is survived by Emiko, his beloved wife of 55 years, a testament to enduring love and partnership. They met in Hokkaido, Japan in 1968, while Jim served in the United States Air Force as a Russian linguist. Together, they built a family foundation that stands strong through their three sons: James H. McNair Jr (Tish), Jason McNair (Pearl), and Rance McNair (Courtney). His legacy continues to flourish through the joy and laughter of his grandchildren who will carry forward the lessons and memories he imparted. Jim’s grandchildren are Nina McNair, Tyler McNair, Taylor McNair (Sarah), Martina McNair (Kat), Noelle McCoy (Brendan), and Deon Tucker. The eldest of his siblings, Jim was a brother not just by blood but by bond. He leaves behind his siblings Eugene McNair (Willa), Betty Jean Bell (Robert), Jonathan McNair (Ada), Beverly Brown (Maurice), Jacqueline Baine, and Kermit McNair. His life was further enriched by the presence of many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Jim maintained a close and loving relationship with all his little brothers and sisters; however, every single family member and friend held a special place in his heart. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Houston McNair, his mother, Veola “Mutha” James, and his sisters, Veaurtice “Vee” McNair, and Annie Jean McNair. Jim’s commitment to his country was evident through his more than two decades of service in the United States Air Force. His patriotism and valor were the cornerstones of his character, inspiring respect and admiration from all who knew him. Jim joined the US Air Force in 1965 at the young age of 18 to travel the world. He met Emiko while stationed in Japan where they were married in June 1969. After the births of his first two sons, Jim moved his family to Millsboro, DE, and had his third son. To help support his family, Jim joined the US Air Force Reserves in 1975 and became a Loadmaster on the C-5 Galaxy large military transport airplane at the Dover Air Force Base in Dover, DE. He also enrolled at Delaware Technical Community College and received his associate degree in Architectural Engineering during this period. Towards the very end of his military career, he was activated to full-time military status where he proudly served our country in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War. Jim was hired by Dupont in Glasgow, DE and relocated his family to New Castle, DE on Christmas Eve 1980. He applied his technical expertise and strong work ethic at DuPont, Dade Behring, and Siemens Healthcare, where he excelled as an Applications Engineer until his retirement in 2013. His innovative spirit and problem-solving abilities left a lasting impact on the medical products industry, contributing to several company patents. After full retirement Jim and Emiko loved to travel, but Jim thoroughly enjoyed vacationing with his brothers, sisters, other family members, and friends. Jim also enjoyed the simpler things in life such as home-cooked dinners and a few drinks with his family. He loved to cook. He was known to fry, boil, grill, bake, broil, steam, BBQ, smoke, and jerky just about anything in the refrigerator. Most importantly, he loved to share his creations with family, friends, or anyone in need. Jim spent his free time solving complex jigsaw puzzles with Emiko, working on home improvement projects, playing the guitar, listening to music, singing, practicing Russian and Spanish languages, watching sumo wrestling, and enjoying the company of his large circle of family members and friends. Jim’s departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit remains a guiding light for all. His was a life well-lived, full of purpose and heart. We bid farewell to a remarkable man, whose memory will forever be etched in our hearts. Rest in peace, Jim McNair. Your earthly flight has ended, but your journey continues with God and in the hearts of those you’ve touched. A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 9:30-11 AM at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd., Newark, DE 19702 followed by a celebration of Jim’s life at 11 AM. Burial will take place Monday, June 10, 2024, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association (AHA) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV), two causes supported by Jim.

James H. McNair

March 30, 1947 - May 7, 2024

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