Hilda Mae McClain James, age 82, of Buckhannon, died Saturday, August 30, 2025, at her home. She was born on September 23, 1942, in Webster County, a daughter of the late George Denton McClain, Sr. and Mary Lou Cogar McClain. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one daughter Sarah Elizabeth James and one sister Mary Hazel Farnsler. She is survived by two daughters: Brenda and husband John James of Buckhannon and Barbara and husband Dwayne Burr of Arcadia, FL; five grandchildren: Marcia and husband Jeremy Strader, Lisa and husband Michael Hildreth, Jessica Tichenor and partner Chad, Amy, and Chris Wayne Burr and wife Jeannie; eight great grandchildren: Jordan and Riley James, Kara and Derek Hildreth, Samantha and Christopher Burr, Ava Reed, and Artimus Tichenor; two brothers: George Denton McClain, Jr. and wife Lynn of Yorktown, VA and Ronald Jake McClain and wife Donna of Daniels, WV; four sisters: Dewanda Bennett of Indian Trail, NC, Karen Groves of Dade City, FL, Rose and husband John Iden of Martinsburg, WV, and Sandra Sue Marsh of Greencastle, PA; and her beloved cat Enkidu.
Hilda loved her family and loved Jesus; she was a charter member of the Independent Rock Church and was actively involved in the choir and the ladies’ ministry. She was retired from Walmart after 21 years where she made several friends who were all special to her.
The family extends their appreciation to WVU Hospice for their great care and also to Sandy, Renny, and Buck.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 3-6:00 PM, at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be held at the funeral chapel on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Greg Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Upshur County Memorial Park.
