Douglas Shepp McCain, Stepbrother of Meghan McCain, Passes Away

Meghan McCain and her family are grieving the sudden loss of her stepbrother, Douglas Shepp McCain. He was the eldest adopted son of late Senator John McCain and passed away at 66. The obituary from his funeral home announced his death on Wednesday but did not reveal the cause.

Meghan McCain expressed her sorrow publicly on X, describing Doug as a wonderful and joyful person. She recalled his humor, fun, and engaging conversations, pledging to cherish their time together. Meghan extended prayers to Doug’s wife Ashley and their children Caroline and Shepp.

Doug will be remembered as a patriot and friend to many alumni of Senator McCain’s Institute, campaigns, and Senate staff.

The McCain Institute also shared condolences, acknowledging Doug’s past as a Navy pilot like his father and his friendliness within the McCain community.

Doug was born on October 4, 1959, in Pensacola, Florida, and grew up in Jacksonville. He was passionate about surfing, baseball, and soccer. Graduating from Jacksonville Episcopal High School in 1977, he attended the University of Virginia (UVA), majoring in systems engineering and joining Navy ROTC. There he met his future wife, Ashley Jardine.

After completing his degree in 1982, Doug joined the Navy and spent six years flying A-6 Intruders. He transitioned to a career with American Airlines, cherished deep satisfaction in his role, particularly after becoming a captain.

Adopted from John McCain’s first marriage to Carol Shepp McCain, Doug was part of a family marked by service. John McCain, also a Navy aviator, was famously held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Later, he represented Arizona in the U.S. Senate and ran as the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, passing away in 2018.

Doug McCain earned the nickname ‘World Book’ and took pride in holding the McCain family record of three holes-in-one in golf. He valued his friendships deeply and was known for his generous heart and loyalty.

Doug is survived by his wife Ashley Jardine McCain, daughter Caroline McCain Hendrickson, son Douglas Shepp McCain Jr., and grandson Teddy. His surviving family also includes mother Carol Shepp McCain, brother Andy McCain, sister Sidney McCain, stepmother Cindy McCain, and stepsiblings Meghan, Jack, Jimmy, and Bridget.

Private services are planned for the family. A memorial gathering is scheduled at the Princess Anne Country Club in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on Saturday, May 30.