LeCain, First Sgt. James "Jim"

passed away in November 12, 2019, a few hours after Remembrance Day. James was the brother of Richard "Chuck" LeCain (Former Staff; KCS 1963-1967) and Charles A. LeCain (KCS 1959-1963). He served in the United States military, retiring after 25 years with the rank of First Sergeant. After retiring from the army he became a teacher and worked for nearly twenty years in the New York Correctional Services at Brookwood Secure Center. Brookwood considers itself the model for teaching incarcerated youth in New York State. This was a career that he had trained for before he became a soldier. He was exceptionally proud of the work he did with incarcerated youths. Briefly stated ‘….he inspired those that needed inspiration the most.' 

Throughout his academic life he was a noted United States Constitutional Scholar.

James LeCain founded a college program while at Brookwood in 2010 as an extension of the high school educational program. It is believed to be the only college program of its kind in the United States and has awarded more than 1500 college credits since its inception. For his initiative James LeCain was awarded the Howard A. Levine Award for Excellence in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare in 2016.

In 2019 New York State honoured his efforts by naming the college program and facility; The James J. LeCain School of Liberal Arts.