James T. McBride 1945-2024
MENTOR — James “Chief,” “JT,” “Jim” Terence McBride’s life began 79 years ago in Youngstown, on April 8, 1945. He grew up in an Irish Catholic home with a number of family members in local fire departments, including his father who was an assistant chief. He passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.
He proudly served as the director of public safety and chief of police for Lakeland Community College Police Department for 28 years, including police academy commander. He dedicated 44 years of his life to law enforcement, including service in the Youngstown Police Department, Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, Grand River Police Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Always honoring the fallen, he was a bagpiper for the pipes and drums of the Cleveland Division of Police. He wrote over 200 articles and poems published in professional journals and publications, including “Pipe Me Down, Lads.” He co-authored several books, including “History of Lake County Law Enforcement.” He spent his leisure time writing songs and playing the guitar and keyboards. He served in the Ohio Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve and was involved in many local veteran groups. More recently, he was on the Lake County ADAMHS board, the Lake County Juvenile Court civilian case review board and Lakeland Community College part-time faculty.
As a certified law enforcement executive, he was a member of FOP Lodge 116 Western Lake County, Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, Greater Cleveland Peace Officer Memorial Society, Greater Cleveland Police Emerald Society, Lake County Blue Coats and Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Crime Clinic.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to his community and will be greatly missed for his generosity and his wit. After the sudden death of his daughter, Shannon, in 2003, he was inspired to give away angel pins to first responders and anyone who served others ever since.
Jim’s friends and family will miss him tremendously, including his beloved wife, Laura McBride (nee Owen) of Mentor; daughters, Michele McBride and Kelly McBride; granddaughters, Ember and Scarlette Washlock; sister, Mary Louise Lyons of Wilmington, Delaware; nieces, Kathy Barry and Luanne Powell; and nephew, James Lyons.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Shannon McBride; his nephew, Timmy Lyons; and both parents.
The McBride family will receive friends and family 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 1000 Mentor Ave., Painesville. A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Body of Christ Community Church, 38057 Erie Road, Willoughby (The service will be live-streamed at www.youtubebodyofchristcommunity.com). Private interment will be in All Souls Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations please to The Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cancer Research or Chief McBride Commander Emeritus scholarship at Lakeland Community College.
To leave condolences visit: www.JeffMonrealFuneralHome.com.
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