Dr. John Baptiste McClellan III, MD, FACS, was born on April 15, 1951, in Chicago, IL, as the youngest son of John William McClellan and Joy Lillyn (Braddan) McClellan. His life was one of unwavering devotion to God, family, profession, country, and music—leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Rooted in his family's faith, John grew up in Berean Baptist Church in Chicago, founded in 1900 by his maternal grandfather, Reverend William Samuel Braddan. Inspired by this legacy, John dedicated his life to The Lord and was baptized at 18 in 1969.
John lived his life with pure positivity, trust, and faith until the day God called him home. He raised his children and family on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. One of his favorite scriptures was, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' — Joshua 24:15.
From an early age, John demonstrated a remarkable blend of intellect, talent, and discipline. He graduated third in his class from Wendell Phillips High School in 1968. He continued his education at the University of Illinois, Chicago graduating with honors and departmental distinction in 1972. John then earned his medical degree from the Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine at the University of Illinois in 1976. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Cook County Hospital in 1981, a period that honed his expertise and deepened his dedication to patient care. He learned to treat his patients with the same care and compassion he would offer his own family.
After completing his residency, Dr. McClellan began his career in Orthopedic Surgery specializing in General Orthopedics, Hand Surgery, Joint Replacement & Reconstruction.Initially practicing in Gary, Indiana, he later relocated to Chicago, where he earned a reputation as a highly respected surgeon. Throughout his over 40-year career, John was known not only for his surgical expertise but also for his enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring young surgeons. His career was deeply influenced by his paternal grandfather, a physician who practiced medicine for over 50 years. Determined to carry on that legacy of service and care, he envisioned working until the age of 75.
John’s dedication to his profession was just one aspect of his diverse and fulfilling life. Beyond his medical career, he was an accomplished musician with a deep love for jazz. His musical journey began in 1959 when, at the age of 8, he and his brother Bill joined the Giles Yellow Jackets Drum and Bugle Corps. In October 1965, he joined the Skokie/Des Plaines Vanguard, quickly distinguishing himself as an outstanding soloist.
In 1971 and 1972, John’s leadership and talent earned him the prestigious title of Drum Major, along with the honor of being namedVanguard of the Yeareach year. His musical influence extended well beyond the drum corps—he became one of the founding members of Jazz in the Forest, a musical ensemble that celebrated the genre he loved. John’s music brought joy to countless people, whether he was performing on stage or brightening hospital corridors with his trumpet. During the holiday season, he especially loved playing Christmas carols for staff and paeents alike.
In 1990, John’s sense of duty and patriotism led him to enlist in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. He served with distinction during Desert Storm and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. His military service was a point of great pride for him, and his discipline and commitment to others continued to shine throughout his life.
A true connoisseur of luxury cars, John was rarely seen without a convertible—an iconic symbol of his vibrant personality for over 40 years. He was equally renowned for his impeccable fashion sense, always presenting himself with style and precision. John's larger-than-life presence extended beyond the operating room and military service into his everyday interactions, where his warmth, positivity, humor, and generosity were the hallmarks of his character.
John’s love for his family was evident in everything he did. On June 20, 1992, he married the love of his life, Dr. Leslie Camille Wren, MD, FACS, at St. Edmund’s Church in Chicago. Together, they raised three children: Dana Joy Lynn McClellan, Camille Frances McClellan, and John Baptiste McClellan IV, Esq. John adored his two grandsons, August William Hilton and Ascher Delahoussaye Hilton. His family was his greatest joy, and he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.
Dr. McClellan was a dedicated member of Christ Church Lake Forest, where he played in the church band and lent his booming tenor voice to the gospel choir. His contributions to the community extended beyond music, as he selflessly gave his time and talents in countless ways. John's presence in the congregation left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
John is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Dr. Leslie Camille Wren McClellan, MD, FACS; his daughters, Dana Joy Lynn McClellan and Camille Frances McClellan, both of Chicago; his son, John Baptiste McClellan IV, Esq. of Lake Forest; his two grandsons, August William Hilton and Ascher Delahoussaye Hilton, both of Chicago; his brother, William Braddan (Angela Lynn) McClellan of Chicago; his mother-in-law, Frances Jackson Wren of Lake Forest; his nephew, Steven Lawrence (Amalia) McClellan of Chicago; his brother-in-law, Charles Wadison (Sonya) Wren III of Sherman Oaks, California; and his aunt, Jimmie Helen Brewer of Nipomo, California. He is preceded by his parents, John William and Joy Lillyn McClellan, eldest nephew William B. McClellan II, cousin Ilena Joy Crushshon and uncle Silas H. Brewer.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will occur on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 North Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, Illinois. A repast will follow the service in the church foyer. Interment will take place at Lake Forest Cemetery following the repast.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the St. James Society of Christ Church Lake Forest, in John’s memory.
Dr. McClellan's legacy of faith, service, music and dedication to his family and community will live on in the countless lives he touched. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him. As it is written in Matthew 25:23: 'His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'
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