James Buddy McLain Jr., was born on April 27, 1994 to Denise and James Buddy McLain Sr., in Brooklyn, New York. James was educated in New York City Public Schools, attending P.S. 155, I.S. 271, and graduating from Lincoln High School YABC Program. Following in his parents’ footsteps, James was a leader who selflessly gave back to his community. His most recent contributions included a Back-to-School Drive in August, a Turkey Drive in November, and a Toy Drive that was scheduled to take place in December 2021.

In November 2018, James became a father to Nora Amina McLain. He loved being a dad and Nora adored her father. 

In 2020, James began his entrepreneurial journey by launching his own security company, MBD (My Body Different) Security LLC. This endeavor allowed James to not only travel to multiple states for various celebrity rappers, but to also extend job opportunities to his friends in the community. James’ most recent accomplishment was his security work with Kanye West during the Donda Tour in 2021 where he was privileged to have his family share this iconic moment with him. 

James’ life was tragically disrupted by a senseless act of gun violence on December 12, 2021. Truly living up to his life’s motto “My Body Different”, he fought for two weeks before transitioning out of this earthly realm on December 26, 2021 at the age of twenty-seven.

James loved his family and always vowed to protect their honor. He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Denise McLain; sister, Ashley Yelverton (Joshua); daughter, Nora McLain and her mother Markeya Brown; two aunts, Pamela Brown (Alvie) and Margaret Gresham, and a host of godparents, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.