Steven James McClain passed away January 25, 2021, at the age of 67 after a valiant battle with COVID-19.
McClain started his career in law enforcement and polygraphing after graduating with a degree in criminology and business from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. He moved into retail loss prevention with Target in 1984 rising to director of LP. McClain held multiple executive positions including VP of asset protection and customer retention at Hollywood Entertainment, senior VP of asset protection at Sports Authority, and VP of AP at Big Lots where he retired in 2018.
“I am saddened by the passing of Steve McClain,” said LPM Executive Editor Jim Lee. “I first met Steve when he was a DC manager with Target in the ‘80s. Over the years, we enjoyed many in-depth conversations about a myriad of business and worldly issues. He was a unique individual and thinker. Blessings to his family.”
McClain was a leader, innovator, and pioneer in the LP industry, designing tools and programs to enable retail businesses to prevent and regain control of losses, shrink, risk management, ROI, and employee safety. He never overlooked an opportunity to help someone in their careers by coaching, teaching, listening, and mentoring others so they could achieve peak success.
McClain was an avid outdoorsman, where he enjoyed bow hunting, fishing, and golf. He always stood up for his beliefs—faith, family, friends, the flag, and firearms—even if it meant standing alone.
McClain loved to give flowers, so his family asks those who wish to honor him to send flowers to a living loved one instead. Or if preferred, individuals can make donations to any ASPCA in honor of his love for animals.
