Jack F. McClain (83) of Charles City, Iowa, died on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, in Anaheim, California. Jack, who was a veteran truck driver with almost 65 years of driving under his belt, was found dead in his truck after he didn’t make his delivery appointment. On Monday, March 7, Jack’s last drop in Anaheim, California was rescheduled for the next day. He went back out to his truck, called his wife Sheilah, and told her that he wasn’t feeling very good and that he was going to lie down. He laid down with his beloved dog Sammy next to him but, sadly, never woke up. He was found the next day, with Sammy still by his side. Jack always said he would retire “when they pulled my dead body out of the truck” and that is exactly what happened. You might remember that we did an article about Jack back in 2007 when he celebrated his 80th birthday. It is amazing that he was still driving at 83 years old – and he did not drive a lame old truck – he had a cool 1999 Peterbilt with a matching 48’ spread-axle reefer. Mark Smith of Morrison, Illinois went to California and picked up Jack’s truck and brought it, along with Sammy, home. Jack’s funeral was held on March 16 at the Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, Iowa. The next day, a small caravan of six or seven tall trucks, led by Jack’s rig with Mark Smith at the wheel, made a 250 mile trip south, together, in a procession to Promise City, Iowa, where Jack was then laid to rest with his first wife and a son that was killed at 19 in a car accident. Jack leaves behind many family members, including his wife Sheilah, two daughters, two step-sons, a brother and three sisters, and several grandchildren. For many years, right up until his death, Jack hauled meat from Iowa to California and then produce back almost every week. He died doing what he loved and all of us who knew him will miss him dearly. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
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Daniel J. Linss
Daniel J. Linss has been with 10-4 Magazine since the beginning in September of 1993 and has been the Editor and Art Director since March of 1994. Over the years, he has also become an owner and one of the main photographers for 10-4 and is well-known for his insightful cover feature articles and honest show reports. Married for over 30 years with three grown children, Daniel produces 10-4 Magazine each and every month from his office in Central California.
7 Comments
That is really a beautiful story. If only we all should be as fortunate as Mr. McClain.
God speed sir. Your fellow truckers will see you on the open road again.
He is one true truck driver that should be remembered by other drivers.It is an honor that he supplied food for the United States,just like we support are service men we should also support are truck drivers for bringing us are goods.
Great story about Jack. I am proud to own Jack’s ’99 Pete pictured in this article. I purchased the truck in Oct. of 2011. I’ve got it hooked to a bull wagon down here in Texas and i get many compliments on it. It may not be pulling frozen meat , but it’s still hauling beef,on the hoof.
David,
Many of us were wondering what Jacks truck was up to, (sorry it will always be Jacks truck to me) I had heard it was in Texas but that’s all I knew. Glad to hear it is still out there working, and I hope you take as much care and pride in it as he did!! You have a large car for sure, as he said the difference in a big truck and a large car….a big truck will go as fast as he can and a large will go as fast as wants to :)
Hi David! I’m so happy to hear that you are the proud owner of Jack’s last truck. I hope that you have it still in operation.
Just wanted to give you a shout out if you are still interested in any memories of Jack and his incredible trucking career. I was someone who loved Jack to the Moon and back and he was my greatest accomplishment as a truck driver in my 20 year career.
I hope that he is still remembered as he should be in truck driver history.
RIP Jack McClain ❤️
Jack was a great hero of trucking, Good luck in heaven You Trucking hero.
Jack was the best truck driver I ever had the pleasure of driving for. I ran for him during the ’90s both as relief driver and a co-driver. We had many great trips together from Illinois to California, always leading the pack (at least those who could stay with us) everywhere we went. My favorite saying to him as we walked towards his truck was “Hey Jack, I feel the need, the need for speed!” which always brought a huge smile to his face. I have many great memories of Jack and his old truck he had before his last one. I was honored to be trusted with his truck and even took time off my job to run relief for him during the last few years that I was on the road. He always said that he wanted to die in his truck and I am happy that his health allowed him to do so. He will always be remembered as one of the best truck drivers to ever be on the road. RIP Jack, may the roads in heaven be good to you…..