James P. “JP” McLane

James P. “JP” McLane, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020, at his residence.

JP was born Feb. 13, 1936, in Greenville, the son of late James Lyle and Verne (Page) McLane. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1954 and briefly attended Mineral Area College on a basketball scholarship.

On Jan. 29, 1955, he married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Bounds, who survives. Together they shared over 65 years of marriage. They lived in Greenville until moving to Poplar Bluff in 1963.

In 1955, JP, his father and brother started McLane Farms, which transitioned to McLane Cattle Company. He was known for his exceptional ability to assess a livestock weight by sight. This venture eventually led to offices in Mississippi and Alabama, and Auction Barns in Farmington and Fredericktown. He was President and founder of McLane Transport, Inc., in Poplar Bluff. The company, established in 1970, transported produce and commodities from Missouri to the west coast.

A 62-year member of the Greenville Masonic Lodge #107, he was also a longtime supporter and advocate for the Three Rivers College Basketball team. He was instrumental in the completion of the Athletic Complex on the college campus. JP also served a 30-year term on the Commerce Bank Board in Poplar Bluff. In 2017, he was named Outstanding Citizen for Year by the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce.

JP is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ellen; three children, Becky Jo (Allen) Brooks, James Michael McLane, and Marla McLane, all of Poplar Bluff. He was so proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They include: grandchildren Kyle Brooks, Maggie Brooks, and Lance (Ashley) McLane; great-grandchildren Caitlyn, Jaci, Silas, Statham, and Quincy McLane and Austin and Brian Goodrich, and one great-great grandchild, Brynlee Fisher. Also surviving are brother, C.L. (Pix) and wife Barbara McLane; a sister-in-law, Peggy Peck; nieces and nephews, Cindy McLane, Kelly (Terrence) Baker, Madison Baker and Mark McLane, Lisa (Greg) Berry, Hannah Berry, Bryan Peck, Cody Peck and Allison Peck; and cousins Ray (Gail) McLane and Gloria McLane Hottes. JP also had a special caregiver, Mrs. Pat Kinney.

He was preceded in death by granddaughter Stephanie McLane Goodrich.

Due to the current conditions, a private family memorial service will be held in Greenville on Saturday, May 9.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to the Greenville Masonic Lodge #107 P.O. Box 241, Greenville, Mo., 63944; or the Three Rivers College Booster Club, 2080 Three Rivers Blvd, Poplar Bluff, Mo., 63901