Douglas McCain, eldest son of Senator John McCain, dies suddenly at age 66 in Virginia

Douglas Shepp McCain, the eldest adopted son of the late Senator John McCain, died suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 66. The family announced his passing over the weekend, though no cause of death was disclosed in his funeral home obituary. McCain was born on October 4, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida, and had built a distinguished career as a Navy pilot and commercial airline captain.

Meghan McCain, his stepsister, shared the news on social media Sunday morning, expressing deep sorrow over the unexpected loss. She described Douglas as a wonderful and joyful man who provided unwavering support throughout her life. The McCain Institute also extended condolences, honoring him as a patriot and friend to many who worked alongside Senator McCain throughout his political career.

Navy career followed father’s aviation legacy

Douglas McCain graduated from Jacksonville Episcopal High School in 1977 before attending the University of Virginia, where he majored in systems engineering and joined the Navy ROTC program. It was at UVA where he met his future wife, Ashley Jardine, whom he married and remained with for 40 years. After graduating in 1982, McCain followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the Navy.

He spent six years as a naval aviator flying A-6 Intruders, the same type of combat aircraft his father had flown during his military service. The A-6 Intruder was a twin-engine, all-weather attack aircraft used extensively during the Vietnam War era. McCain’s service as a pilot honored the family’s strong military tradition, as Senator John McCain had been a Navy aviator who endured five and a half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

American Airlines captain found passion in commercial aviation

After completing his military service, Douglas McCain transitioned to civilian life and built a long, successful career with American Airlines. His family noted that he found work he truly loved with the airline, particularly after achieving the rank of captain. The position allowed him to combine his passion for aviation with the technical expertise he had developed during his years in the Navy and his engineering education at the University of Virginia.

According to his obituary, McCain was known among colleagues and friends for his extensive knowledge and his willingness to share what he knew. He earned the affectionate nickname “World Book” from those around him, a reference to the encyclopedia series, because of his broad base of knowledge on numerous subjects. His family noted he secretly loved the nickname, though he joked that Google had eventually put him out of business as the go-to source for information.

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Family remembers devoted father and loyal friend

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Douglas McCain was remembered as a devoted family man and loyal friend. He was particularly proud of his children, Caroline and Douglas Shepp McCain Jr., known as Shepp. Most recently, he had discovered great joy in becoming a grandfather to his grandson Teddy. His obituary emphasized his generous heart and unwavering love for his family members.

McCain also maintained several personal interests outside of work and family. He enjoyed playing golf and held a special distinction within the McCain family: the record for three holes-in-one during his golfing career. His love for the sport was matched by his appreciation for the friendships he cultivated throughout his life, with many describing him as someone who could always be counted on.

• Mother Carol Shepp McCain, from his father’s first marriage
• Siblings Andy McCain and Sidney McCain
• Stepmother Cindy McCain, Senator John McCain’s second wife
• Stepsiblings Meghan, Jack, Jimmy and Bridget McCain
• Wife Ashley Jardine McCain of 40 years

Memorial service scheduled in Virginia Beach

Douglas McCain grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he enjoyed surfing and playing baseball and soccer during his youth. These early interests reflected an active, outdoor lifestyle that he maintained throughout his life. The coastal environment of Florida shaped his formative years before he moved on to higher education and military service.

Private services will be held for immediate family members following his death. A larger memorial gathering has been scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The location allows extended family, friends, colleagues from American Airlines, and members of the broader McCain family network to pay their respects and celebrate his life.

Senator John McCain, who adopted Douglas during his first marriage to Carol Shepp McCain, represented Arizona in the United States Senate for more than three decades and became the Republican presidential nominee in 2008. He died in August 2018 at age 81 after a battle with brain cancer. Douglas McCain’s sudden passing marks another loss for the prominent political family, which has maintained a strong presence in American public life for generations through military service and political leadership.