Dr. James Daniel McKean (1946-2014)

MCKEAN, OCONNELL, DALY, KONZ, MILLER, DRABIK, BELCHER

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/10/2014 at 10:29:10

Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.

James Daniel McKean was born April 28, 1946 to James and Margret (O’Connell) McKean in New York City, New York and raised in central Illinois.

After completing high school at Decatur, IL, he completed a Bachelor's of Veterinary Science Degree and received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM), both from the University of Illinois, in 1966 and 1970, respectively.

Jim knew at a young age while helping on the family farm with pigs and dairy cattle that he wanted to become a swine veterinarian. “I learned fairly quickly that standing on the side of the pen holding the pigs — while the veterinarian was standing on the other side of the fence vaccinating them — that there was more money and a lot less work on the other side of the fence.” Dr. McKean planned a career in large animal medicine due to experiences with pigs and cattle growing up, but an accident as a sophomore in veterinary school changed his course. While working in a corn processing plant to earn money for college, his left leg became caught in a feed auger, resulting in amputation.

After six weeks in the hospital and two weeks recuperating at home, he returned to college and finished his degree with his class. While completing his DVM, he earned a varsity letter as a member of the University of Illinois’ Wheelchair Basketball Team. Jim became a member of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) just one year after his life changing accident. During his career in the NWBA he won 4 National Championships; Illinois “Gizz Kids” in 1969 and 1970, and the Detroit Sparks in 1971 and 1972.

From the University of Illinois, Dr. McKean went on to Michigan State University, where he earned a Master's Degree in Veterinary Pathology in 1973. Always with a thirst for knowledge, he received his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Drake University in 1988.

After graduating from Michigan State, Dr. McKean worked for the Michigan Farm Bureau as a technical services veterinarian. He then joined the staff of Iowa State University in 1974 as an Extension Swine Veterinarian. Over the past 39 years at ISU, he has held the positions of Professor, Extension Swine Veterinarian, and Associate Director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center.

In 1985, Dr. McKean was named honorary Master Pork Producer by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. In 1991, Dr. McKean received the Faculty Citation by the Iowa State Alumni Association, for long, outstanding, and inspiring service. In 1999, Dr. McKean received the Howard Dunne Memorial Award recognizing his significant contribution and outstanding service to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and the swine industry. In 2000, Dr. McKean was bestowed the title of “University Professor”. The honor is given to senior faculty members who have had significant impacts on their departments and the University in the areas of teaching, research and professional services. In 2008, Dr. McKean received the Master in Pork Production Award from the National Hog Farmer Magazine. In 2012, Dr. McKean received the President’s Award from the National Institute of Animal Agriculture.

Jim has noted on several occasions that his success and accolades would have not been possible without the steadfast support of his wife, Ellen.

Dr. McKean was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Veterinary Medical Law Association, the American Association of Extension Veterinarians, the National Association of Food Hygiene Veterinarians and the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, as well as a member and past president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. He was an active member on a number of state and national swine-related organizations and committees. He also worked closely with the Iowa Pork Producers and National Pork Producers. In addition, he has been a member of a National Academy of Sciences (NAS) committee on dioxins in food supply and worked closely with a number of other Federal Government Agencies to provide expertise in his field.

Dr. McKean was recognized as a national and international expert in swine health and food safety. He was instrumental in pork industry research, outreach and educational efforts. His strong knowledge and experience in areas of animal health, food safety, and overall pork production made him a valuable resource for industry publications, seminars and other outreach programs around the world. He also provided leadership and expert knowledge to help shape Federal and State laws protecting consumers and allowing veterinarians and livestock producers to use animal safe drugs in a safe and effective manner. He was a constant educator, professional and above all an advocate for pork producers, both large and small, in Iowa, the United States, and internationally.

He enjoyed watching University of Illinois and Iowa State University athletics, spending time outdoors, woodworking, working around the house, traveling with Ellen, and spending countless hours playing with his grandchildren. He also served on the Parrish Council and School Board at St. Cecelia in Ames, as well as a member and past president of the Gilbert Community School Board.

Jim and Ellen Ann Daly were married on August 23, 1969, and have four children - James, Bradley, Bridget and Maura.

Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ellen, of Ames; his son, Jim (Deborah) McKean and their children, Ellie and Kailie, of Annapolis, MD; his son Brad (Carmen) and their children Madison and Marissa, of Fredericksburg, VA; his daughter Bridget (Marv) Konz and their children, Addison and Grant, of Ames, IA; and his daughter Maura (Kory) Miller and their children, Larissa, Kaylyn and Reed, of Ankeny, IA.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jane (John) Drabik, Bernard McKean, Margaret (Dean) Belcher, Richard McKean, Anne McKean, Angela McKean and Rose McKean.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James D. and Margaret M. McKean; his brother, John McKean; his sister, Mary Therese; and his sister-in-law, Melanie McKean.

Dr. James D. McKean, beloved husband, father, and Papa passed away April 10, 2014, at his residence in Ames at 67 years of age.

The visitation for Dr. McKean will be Monday, April 21, 2014 from 4-6 p.m. at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Avenue, Ames, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held on April 22, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with a reception hour at 9:30 and luncheon following Mass, at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Avenue, Ames, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Dr. James McKean Memorial Fund, First National Bank, 405 5th St. Ames, Iowa 50010

APR 22 A Mass of Christian Burial 10:30AM
St. Cecilia Catholic Church
2900 Hoover Ave.
Ames, IA, US, 50010

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