James McWain Obituary

James T. McWain

James Thomas McWain, a devoted family man, decorated military officer, and Mason whose life was defined by service, passed away on September 3, 2025, at the age of 86.  He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Bonnie.  Jim is also survived by his four children Kevin McWain (Shay - Granddaughters Ella and Hannah), Scott McWain, Trisha Berntsen (Paul) and Robin McWain (Zac); and by his sister, Nancy Gilmond.  He will be truly missed by his sister and brother’s in-law, and all his nieces and their families.  He was predeceased by his mother and father, Bertha and Morris McWain of Island Pond VT.

Born on December 23, 1938, in Norton, Vermont on his family’s dairy farm, Jim’s early life instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community.  He graduated from Norwich University in 1960 where he distinguished himself as a cadet and began his lifelong commitment to service, joining the U.S. Army Reserve and becoming a Mason.  

Jim’s 32-year military career was marked by exceptional leadership and service.  He rose through the ranks from 2nd Lieutenant to Colonel, taking on challenging roles that required leadership and technical expertise.  His key assignments included patrolling the East/West German border, multiple leadership roles in Vietnam, and serving on the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.  His leadership and organizational abilities were recognized through a series of commands, including a cavalry squadron at Fort Carson, Colorado, the M1-Abrams deployment team in Vilseck, Germany, and ultimately as the Commander 1st Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany.  Though he earned numerous individual honors including two Bronze Stars for bravery and multiple Air Medals for expertise during combat flights, the accolades he most valued were those that recognized his units’ collective achievements.  His leadership was instrumental in the 1st Squadron 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, receiving the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Citation for their actions in Vietnam.  His focus on unit cohesion and mission success was the defining characteristic of his service.

After retiring from the Army in 1988, Jim transitioned his skills to the private sector, holding leadership roles at Lycoming and Lockheed Aviation.  However, his most enduring legacy of service was within the Masonic Fraternity.  He was a 65-year Mason and a dedicated member of multiple lodges and Masonic affiliations throughout his life, culminating in his election as Grand Master of Connecticut in 2011.  Jim’s leadership was characterized by his commitment to learning from others and helping to unite Masons with shared goals and challenges.  His devotion to Freemasonry was steadfast and exemplary.

A Masonic memorial service is planned for Sunday, November 23 at 3:30 p.m. at Masonicare Ashlar Village Knapp Auditorium, 74 Cheshire Road, Wallingford, CT.  There will be a celebration of Jim’s life in June 2026 - where family and friends have celebrated a family reunion for three decades in Morgan, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory can be made to either The Masonic Charity Foundation of CT, PO Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492, 203-679-5555, Masonicare.org; Norwich University Office of Development and Alumni Relations, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT 05663-1035; or The Morgan Church, PO Box 234, Morgan VT 05853-0234. Online condolences are welcomed at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned & Operated.