Beta Omicron Chapter’s first initiate and founding archon, Jack P. McCain, II, died Monday, October 5 at the age of 92.
Alumni Chapter President Wes Breeden shared the following reflection on McCain’s life and legacy.
Brothers,
It is with a heavy heart that I share that our brother Jack McCain, Jr. passed away early Monday morning. Jack was Beta Omicron’s first initiate and our founding Archon when the chapter transitioned from Phi Kappa Nu to Pi Kappa Phi in 1956. Any time we lose a brother, there is sadness. Every true brother leaves a mark on this chapter and on its members, often in more ways than we will ever know. With Jack’s passing, it is fitting that we pause and remember a man who gave so much to his fraternity, his family, and his community.
Because we all chose to wear our diamond-shaped badge, we each can connect our fraternal roots back to Jack. I was fortunate to learn that I share a couple of additional connections with him: we share an August 11 birthday, and every year we would exchange a text and joke that the day ought to be a national holiday for Beta Omicron. Jack was number one in our original founding class, and I was number one forty-four years later in our rechartering class, and both of us served as Archon during those times. Jack was always quick to pat me on the back and give me far more credit than I deserved for our rechartering. But whenever I tried to give him that same credit for founding the chapter, he would turn it right back toward the brothers who stood beside him. He often reminded me that it took a group of young men coming together to build something as special as Beta Omicron.
In the remarks he wrote for our 70th anniversary celebration just a few weeks ago, Jack said: “Back then, none of us were thinking about titles or numbers. We were just a bunch of young men trying to find our place in the world.” That was Jack. Proud of his chapter, grateful for his brothers, and always willing to give someone else the credit.
He also understood that brotherhood meant being there when someone needed you. Whenever the chapter reached out for guidance, encouragement, or someone to talk to our newest members about lifelong brotherhood, Jack was happy to lend a hand. Sometimes that meant helping a young brother find a little work cutting grass or raking leaves. Sometimes it meant connecting him with someone who could help him through a difficult situation. Whatever the need, as a faithful brother, Jack cared enough to help.
He carried that same spirit into his community through his years as a city councilman and his service on boards, committees, and with nonprofits. He had family, work, and civic responsibilities pulling him in plenty of directions, but he always made room for Beta Omicron. To me, that is one of the greatest lessons Jack leaves us. It is easy to be fired up about the fraternity when you are 18, surrounded by your brothers, with the next chapter event just ahead of you. It takes more effort after we leave Northwestern State and head in different directions. We build families, pursue careers, and take on the many responsibilities life puts in front of us.
Jack never forgot that flame deep down inside of him called Beta Omicron. For 70 years, he kept coming back, kept encouraging us, and kept caring about the chapter and its brothers. When we talk about lifelong brotherhood, we have his example to look to. Though he was too ill to deliver his remarks at our anniversary celebration, he wrote them so his words could still be shared with us. Even then, he was giving something back to the chapter, and what he chose to share says so much about what mattered to him:
“What I’m most grateful for, is that our fraternity wasn’t just a chapter . . . it was a beginning.”
He went on to explain how that beginning shaped the way they worked, lived, raised their families, and carried themselves long after graduation. Then he left us with this reminder:
“A reminder that friendships can outlast distance, that laughter can outlast age, and that brotherhood . . . true brotherhood . . . can outlast just about anything.”
Those words mean even more today.
As we remember Jack, I hope each of us will think about how we can carry his example forward. Make the call, check on a brother, and offer some encouragement. Come back when you can and keep that flame alive. He showed us what a lifetime of brotherhood looks like, and we can honor him by continuing to live it.
Please keep Jack’s family and all who loved him in your thoughts and prayers. From one number one to another, Jack, you will be missed, but never forgotten. We look forward to seeing you again when the bell of brotherhood rings one more time to bring us together in the chapter eternal.
Well done, ye faithful brother.
– Wesley L. Breeden
B.O. #286
Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter President
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