James "Billy" McCain

James William “Billy” McCain, 90 of Idabel, passed away April 1, 2022 at McCurtain Memorial Hospital.   He was born in the Holly Creek Community on September 25, 1931, the son of Lawrence Levi McCain and Cecil Crenshaw McCain.  He was a 1949 graduate of Idabel High School and a 1953 graduate of Oklahoma A&M where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in animal science.  

Billy and Nita Womack were married September 2, 1955 after his return from the Korean Conflict where he served in the United States Army. They made their home in Idabel where they raised their five children. He taught 8th grade for a very short period of time then worked for the  Oklahoma Wildlife Department for 22 years as a Wildlife Biologist.  Throughout his life for eighty-five years, he was a Cattleman.  He served on the boards of Choctaw Electric and Western Farmers. He was a mentor for cattle, roping and hog showing.   Billy taught many how to rope and started the first jackpot team roping in this area in the early 1970’s.   He rode horses until just a few years ago when he was no longer able.  He was active on the Fair Board.  He and Nita were responsible for starting the World’s Largest Junior Rodeo.  He raised Chester White and Yorkshire show pigs. He was also an avid reader.  

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Tommy Clay McCain of Idabel, Billie Kay James and husband, Mike of Idabel, Harold Dean McCain and wife, Shelly of Vilonia, Arkansas, Lynette Ruth Jones and husband, Mike of Salado, Texas, Tracie Dee Jackson and husband, Jerry of Quitman, Texas; sisters-in-law, Ruby Pigg and Saundra Womack ; grandchildren, Brandi James and significant other, Robby Taylor, Lucas Ray Martin and significant other, Shannon Mohler, Katlyn Volney and husband, Trent, Kyla Jones and husband, Mathey, Katie James and significant other, Brandon Lewis, Jake Jackson and wife, Kelsey, Jhett Jackson and fiancé, Alissa Rash and Jentri Jackson; three great-grandchildren, Hayes Volney, Ben Jackson and Corinne Jackson; special friend and caregiver, Connie Marshall; niece, Charlotte Whitney;  numerous cousins, other relatives, friends and the staff of Health Back.   

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nita Katherine McCain; sister, Mozelle McCain Gray; brother, Paul McCain and Herschel McCain.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Clardy Funeral Service Chapel.  

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at the Clardy Funeral Service Chapel with Jake Jackson officiating.  Interment will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.