James D McLaren II and his identical twin brother, Richard were welcomed to this world by parents Richard Durrell ''Dick'' & Mary McLaren on January 24, 1949. James grew up in Four Forks attending Sweeny ISD and graduated in 1967. On August 19, 1967 James married the love of his life, Nancy Broadway and began building their life and family together in Brazoria raising their two children, Mary Catherine and James Durrell III. James joined the Brazoria Volunteer Fire Dept in 1970 as a volunteer fireman and would also serve as captain and assistant chief during his 23 years of service to the community. James was a dedicated provider for his family, including working as a lineman for Houston Lighting & Power, an operator at Dow Chemical, and hotshot service owner/ operator. James was a lifelong member at First Presbyterian Church of Brazoria where he served as elder, member of the choir, and in earlier years leader of the youth group. On an ordinary day after retirement, you could find James in a booth at Diamond S sipping tea and talking with the guys. There was nothing that James enjoyed more than spending time with his family and friends as well as watching old westerns with Nancy.
James went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday May 25, 2023 surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He is preceded in death by his grandparents James and Vivian McLaren, parents Richard D. and Mary McLaren, sisters Dorothy MacFarland and Mary Jane Harmond, brothers Ray McLaren and Bobby McLaren, and nephew Gary Douglas Harmond. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years and 9 months Nancy McLaren, twin brother Richard McLaren (Nancy), cousin John McLaren (Jean), daughter Mary Catherine Jones (Roger), son James D McLaren III (Melissa); 10 grandchildren - Ricky Mathews (Ashley), Taylor McLaren (Sarah), Kailee Peavler, Kevin Peavler (Gabby), James D McLaren IV (Erica), Faith Peavler, David McLaren (Paige), Addie Mae Peavler, Josh Peavler and Melody Jones; 10 great grandchildren - Rylan, Olivia, Luke, Kennedy, Gabriel, Myla, Gabriel, Owen, Vivian, MJ, and one expected, and numerous extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Brazoria on June 3, 2023 @ 11am. There will be an inurnment of ashes at Brazoria Cemetery following the service.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Lori, Letty, and Angela from Divinity Hospice for their compassionate care.

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