James Leven McLain Jr., age 80, died Feb. 17 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle.

He was born Feb. 11, 1924, in Baltimore, Md., beloved son of James Leven McLain Sr. and Serena Franklin Goodwin McLain.

Known to his Baltimore family and friends as Leven, he was educated at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.

After receiving his parents’ permission to enlist in the United States Navy at age 17, he interrupted his high-school education to serve his country during World War II.

He was stationed in England and flew many dangerous anti-submarine missions over the North Sea. During the War, he also was stationed at the Whidbey Naval Air Station and met and married Kathryn Mary Paul of Vancouver, B.C.

After the war, he completed his education at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. He went on to study at the Maryland Institute of Art and served a five-year apprenticeship in the pipe trades.

He quickly rose in the ranks of the United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (UA). He ultimately became an International Representative in the UA, mediating labor disputes.

He moved to Bainbridge Island in 1978. He was an avid golfer, gardener and cook.

After retirement in 1991, he golfed every day of the week year round, except Sundays.

His cooking was renowned, especially his Chesapeake Bay seafood specialties. He enjoyed politics, current events, music, jokes and storytelling. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Marian Holt McLain, Bainbridge Island; his six children, James Leven McLain III, Paul Cameron McLain, Victoria Ann McLain Bach, John Douglas McLain, Martha Ellen McLain Downer, and Keith Matthew McLain; Marian’s sons David and Douglas Holt; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

His first wife, Kathryn, and a brother, Stuart Franklin McLain, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 at Kiana Lodge, 14976 Sandy Hook Road, Poulsbo.

Remembrances can be made to Bainbridge Island Firefighters Association, 8895 Madison Ave. N., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2383, Bremerton, WA 98310; National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 192 Nickerson Street, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98109 or to The First Tee, World Golf Village, 425 S. Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home.