All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Hilda Mae McClain James

Hilda Mae McClain James, age 82, of Buckhannon, died Saturday, August 30, 2025, at her home. She was born on September 23, 1942, in Webster County, a daughter of the late George Denton McClain, Sr. and Mary Lou Cogar McClain.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth James, and one sister, Mary Hazel Farnsler.

She is survived by two daughters, Brenda (and husband John James) of Buckhannon and Barbara (and husband Dwayne Burr) of Arcadia, FL.

Her grandchildren include Marcia (and husband Jeremy Strader), Lisa (and husband Michael Hildreth), Jessica Tichenor (and partner Chad), Amy Burr, and Chris Wayne Burr (and wife Jeannie). Her great-grandchildren are Jordan and Riley James, Kara and Derek Hildreth, Samantha and Christopher Burr, Ava Reed, and Artimus Tichenor.

She is also survived by two brothers, George Denton McClain, Jr. (and wife Lynn) of Yorktown, VA, and Ronald Jake McClain (and wife Donna) of Daniels, WV; four sisters, Dewanda Bennett of Indian Trail, NC, Karen Groves of Dade City, FL, Rose Iden (and husband John) of Martinsburg, WV, and Sandra Sue Marsh of Greencastle, PA; and her beloved cat, Enkidu.

Hilda loved her family and loved Jesus. She was a charter member of the Independent Rock Church and was actively involved in the choir and the ladies’ ministry.

She was retired from Walmart after 21 years, where she made several friends who were all special to her.

The family extends their appreciation to WVU Hospice for their great care and to Sandy, Renny, and Buck.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 3–6:00 PM at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel.

The funeral will be held at the chapel on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Greg Miller officiating. Interment will follow in the Upshur County Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be extended to the James family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The James family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

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