James Hugo “Jimmy” McLean, MBA, FANO.

  
BANDERA, Texas—James Hugo “Jimmy” McLean, MBA, FANO, owner of Dietz-McLean Optical, a multigenerational, family-owned and operated optical shop, passed away here on Sunday, December 8, 2024. He was born July 4, 1938 in San Antonio to Raymond “Mac” McLean and Norine (Meckel) McLean. He married Laurie (Howard) McLean on January 22, 1961 in San Antonio. McLean's optical career began in his early teens, when he made deliveries on foot for Dietz-McLean Optical. He attended Jefferson High School and graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU).

He joined his father Mac at Dietz-McLean in 1962 after completing his education at SMU. During this time, he traveled widely throughout the state in an effort to carve out his own sales territories and gain new customers. McLean made a point of distinguishing the practice from others through his personalized approach to servicing its clients, many of whom became not only loyal customers, but dear friends. 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.

McLean was a strong leader who was revered by his employees, colleagues and even competitors. He 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 1990s, he went back to school and earned his Master’s Degree in International Marketing from the University of Texas, San Antonio.

Dietz-McLean has been involved with charitable organizations such as I Care San Antonio, which helps supply people in need with eyeglasses, and Boysville, a nonprofit that works with homeless children.

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 from 1983-85, during which he was instrumental in the development and publication of the Career Progression Program.

As a board member and director 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 both organizations’ halls of fame, as well as the Optical Pioneer Hall of Fame. McLean has also served as president of the Southwest Optical Laboratory Association, president of the Certified Optical Dispenser Association of Texas from 1972-73 and director of the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) from 1987-89. In addition, national recognition of the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA) by the United States Department of Education was due, in large part, to his efforts on behalf of the Commission. 

McLean had a passion for Texas history, and, upon retirement began work on the board of the Frontier Times Museum in Bandera, Texas (also known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World"). He was very active in preserving the legacy of the museum for others to enjoy.

McLean is preceded in death by his parents, son Mark, and brother Ray McLean. He 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 16 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel in Bandera, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17 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).