He went to school at Jefferson High School and graduated from Southern Methodist University. He earned a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas, San Antonio. He joined his father at Dietz-McLean Optical after completing his education at SMU. After the passing of Mac he became the owner of Dietz- McLean and changed the focus of the company from wholesale manufacturing and distributing to a more retail consumer service operation. He was a strong leader and revered by his employees, colleagues and even competitors. Jim often found that practical solutions were better than more complex ones when solving problems. He loved people and was a master at delegation. Entering semi-retirement in the 90’s he went back to school and earned his MBA in international marketing from UTSA.

During his optical Career he served in leadership positions in many state and national industry associations. He was proudest of his work with the National Academy of Opticianry serving as director and president of this organization. As a board member of the Optical Laboratory Association, he was able to offer insights on the retail side of the business to a largely wholesale contingent. He was inducted into The National Academy of Opticianry Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Optical Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2013.

A lover of Texas History, upon retirement he began work on board the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera Texas. He was very active in preserving the legacy of the Museum for others to enjoy., He served in the US Airforce Reserves during the early 1960s.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son Mark, and his brother Ray Mc-Lean. Jimmy is survived by his wife Laurie, son Drake, son Cliff and his wife Arden, and grandchildren Zach and his wife Alex, Taylor, Sarah, and Tommy. His grandchildren will be serving as Pallbearers along with his niece Christi Palmer, and nephew Marshall McLean A visitation will be held on Monday, December 16th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Grimes Funeral Chapel in Bandera, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17th at Sunset Funeral Memorial Park in San Antonio, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frontier Times Museum (510 13th Street, Bandera, Texas 78003) or the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bandera County (PO Box 3155 Bandera, TX 78003).