Meghan McCain and her family are grieving the unexpected passing of her stepbrother, Douglas Shepp McCain, at the age of 66. He was the eldest adopted son of the late Senator John McCain. According to his funeral home obituary, Douglas died on Wednesday, though the cause of death was not revealed.
In a statement shared on X, Meghan McCain expressed her sorrow, saying, “I am deeply saddened to share the news of my brother Doug McCain’s sudden passing. He was a truly wonderful, joyful man who supported me throughout my life.” She added, “He brought humor, fun, and great conversation to every room. I will cherish our memories together. Our prayers are with his wife Ashley and children Caroline and Shepp.”
“Doug was John McCain’s adopted son from the senator’s first marriage to Carol Shepp McCain,” Meghan wrote.
Douglas McCain had his hand on his heart during the funeral of his adoptive father, Senator John McCain, in 2018.
The McCain Institute also conveyed their sympathies: “We extend our condolences to the McCain family following the passing of Douglas ‘Doug’ Shepp McCain, the eldest son of John McCain.” The institute noted that as a Navy pilot like his father, Doug would be remembered as a patriot and a friend to many associated with Senator McCain’s Institute, campaigns, and Senate staff.
Born on October 4, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida, Doug grew up in Jacksonville, surfing and playing baseball and soccer. He graduated from Jacksonville Episcopal High School in 1977 and pursued systems engineering at the University of Virginia. There, he joined Navy ROTC and met his future wife, Ashley Jardine. After earning his degree in 1982, Doug joined the Navy and spent six years flying A-6 Intruders.
Following his military service, Doug embarked on a successful career with American Airlines, where he particularly enjoyed working as a captain. His obituary highlights his candid nature, stating, “Doug could always be counted on to tell you what he knew and, more often than not, explain why he was right.” Despite a tongue-in-cheek “World Book” nickname, he disliked how Google eventually diminished this role.
Pride in his golfing skills was evident as he held the McCain family record of three holes-in-one. The obituary remembers him as a loyal friend, a devoted son, and a loving father and grandfather. “Doug will be remembered for his generous heart, his loyal friendships, and his unwavering love for his family,” it reads.
Doug is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ashley Jardine McCain, his daughter Caroline McCain Hendrickson, his son Douglas Shepp McCain Jr., and his grandson Teddy. He also leaves behind his mother Carol Shepp McCain, brother Andy McCain, sister Sidney McCain, stepmother Cindy McCain, and stepsiblings Meghan, Jack, Jimmy, and Bridget.
Private services for family members will be held, with a memorial gathering planned at the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on May 30.