Dr. James Pat McClelland Jr.

James ‘Pat’ McClelland, Jr, M.D., died on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at the age of 88. Dr. McClelland was born in Marshall, Texas, but was a resident of Rusk County, Texas for most of his life. Dr. McClelland is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol Lynn Wheatley McClelland. Also surviving are daughter, Susan McClelland, and husband, Dale Miller, of Mansfield, Texas; and son, John Michael McClelland and wife, Sarah, of Albany, Texas. Dr. McClelland’s grandchildren are Margaret Crosby and husband, Colby, of Fort Worth, Texas; Jennifer Beaman of Fort Worth, Texas; Edwin R. Jensen II and wife, Katie, of Granbury, Texas; and James Peder Jensen and wife, Lauren, of Texarkana, Texas. Great-grandchildren are Bryson Beaman and John R. Jensen II. Other survivors are his brothers, George D. McClelland, and wife, Sara, of Henderson; and Robert (Bob) McClelland, and wife, Shirley, of Conroe, Texas; eight nieces; and two nephews. Dr. McClelland was preceded in death by his father and mother, James Pat McClelland, Sr., and Marie Gehbauer McClelland, of Henderson. Dr. McClelland was a graduate of Henderson High School (1947), of Baylor University (1951), and of Baylor Medical School (1955). He completed his medical internship and residency in radiology in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He continued his military and medical career at Brooke Army Medical Hospital at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and at Martin Army Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia. By 1961, Dr. McClelland had become Chief of Radiology at Womack Army Hospital at Fort Bragg, N.C. and had achieved the rank of major. Rather than accept a promotion to colonel, Dr. McClelland returned to his hometown of Henderson not only to serve as the first radiologist in Henderson, but also as the first specialist in any medical field. He organized and operated the radiology department at Henderson Memorial Hospital from 1963 through 1986 and conducted case study sessions for the professional enhancement of Henderson Memorial staff physicians and medical personnel. He also provided radiology services to Newburn Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville in the 1970’s. Dr. McClelland spearheaded physician recruitment and hospital expansion fundraising programs that significantly improved the quality of medical care and hospitalization in Henderson. He was also the primary force behind the end of the segregation of hospitalized patients based on race. He was an avid student of history and great literature, enjoyed numerous hobbies and sports, and was a talented musician with command of many instruments, including the bagpipes. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Henderson, served on the board of multiple organizations and institutions in and around Henderson, volunteered wherever needed. He was recognized as Henderson High School’s Outstanding Ex-Student for 1971. Funeral services for Dr. McClelland will be held at Crawford - A. Crim Funeral Home at 1414 S. Main St. in Henderson, at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 19, 2017. A private burial will follow under the direction of Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers are the Henderson High School Class of 1947. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in honor of Dr. McClelland to the Henderson I.S.D. Education Foundation, P.O. Box 728, Henderson, TX 75653. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.

Dr. James Pat McClelland Jr.

December 26, 1928 - January 14, 2017