In Memoriam: Zack McCain, Jr.

Upon learning that his friend and colleague, Zack McCain, Jr., had passed away at age 88, Jim Coaker reflected on McCain’s legacy. For those in the elevator industry, Coaker said, McCain’s handbooks are “an indispensable resource; any inspectors who don’t use them are doing themselves a terrible disservice.” A more than 45-year veteran of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17 code development, McCain died at his home in Norman, Oklahoma, on May 11, surrounded by loved ones after a battle with cancer. An ELEVATOR WORLD author who penned many articles and books, McCain became involved in A17 code in 1976 and continued to contribute until shortly before his passing. After earning his mechanical engineering degree from Lamar University, the Beaumont, Texas, native obtained his professional engineer license and was the elevator program administrator for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. General Services Administration and the U.S. Postal Service. In 1990, he founded McCain Engineering Associates, Inc. McCain liked being his own boss and enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Mary Jane, to many places where they met interesting people. He retired in 2017, and kept busy with hobbies that included woodworking, restoring classic cars, vegetable gardening and rebuilding player pianos. Survivors include children, Deborah, Linda, Zack, Thomas, Mark and James; a sister, Norma Jean; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Visitation is planned on May 19 from 5-7 p.m. at Tribute Memorial Care, 708 24^th Avenue Northwest, Suite 200, Norman, Oklahoma, and funeral services at 10 a.m. on May 20 at the Almeda Church of Christ at 801 East Almeda Street, also in Norman.