James Lennox Sinclair McLay

James Lennox Sinclair McLay (Jim), of Bloomington, Indiana passed away peacefully on May 30th, 2023 at 93 years of age. Born of Scottish parents who emigrated in 1920, Jim worked to contribute to his family. His family bred Scottish Terriers, and Jim was most proud of his accomplishments showing champion during national competitions. Earning a full Naval scholarship, he attended Brown University, was a member of Beta Theta Pi, and he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a Naval Commission. Jim served 4 years active duty in the Navy. During that time, he serve as a an ensign on peace mission in the Persian Gulf, personally greeting Haile Selassie of Ethiopia. He also taught at the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. After the Navy, in 1955, Jim began a long and successful career with ALCOA, and worked in Pittsburgh, PA. While there, he met Barbara Lynn Gibson - then a nursing student at Presbyterian Hospital; who became his much beloved wife of 45 years. Jim was equally successful in his professional life. Serving 30 years with ALCOA, he served as a managing director in subsidiary companies in the UK for several years, then relocated to Ft Wayne, IN as a VP of Sales for Rea Magnet Wire, and then on to do other related engineering sales work. Jim retired in 2000. He and Barbara designed and built their retirement home on Bloomington’s east side. Sadly, she passed away only two years later. Active in the local community, Jim’s work with the newcomers club allowed him to meet Carroll Tolsma, who became his late-in-life-love and closest companion until the day the passed. Jim was an active man. He and Carroll travelled extensively. Always a lover of the sea, they cruised extensively. In his spare time, Jim was a life-long learner. He studied financial markets extensively and was a highly successful investor in his own right. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes McLay, his older brother John McLay, Jr. Jim’s source of pride and life’s achievement was his family. He is survived by two IUS alumni: Cameron S McLay (wife Debra) of Merrimac, WI and Margaret (McLay) Parker (husband Michael) of Columbus, IN, as well as two graduates of Ball State University: Curtis C McLay (wife Brenda) of Indianapolis and John Nicholas McLay (wife Lisa) of Ft Wayne. Jim is survived by 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. On his death bed, Jim commented many times, “I have been a very lucky man”. He will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Allen Funeral Home 4155 S. Old St Rd 37 Bloomington. Visitation will be held from 2:00pm to service time Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Monroe County Humane Society. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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James Lennox Sinclair McLay

October 20, 1929 - May 30, 2023