MAYVILLE, ND – A former Mayville State football coach, and linebacker with the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, has died.
 
James "Jim" Leclair died Monday, November 4 at the Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, at the age of 69.
 
Leclair was a 12-year veteran of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, who drafted him in the third round. He was nominated to the Pro Bowl, played in Super Bowl XVI in Pontiac, Mich.

Leclair coached at Mayville State University from 1986-88.
 
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the LeClair family, as heaven gained another Mayville staple and national titan, with his athletic career in wrestling and football, having played in the NFL," Mayville State Athletic Director Ryan Hall said in a statement.
 
Dr. Brian Van Horn, President of Mayville State University, issued a statement Monday evening.
 
"He was a great citizen of the Mayville-Portland community, who made us all proud with his athletic prowess," Van Horn said. In addition, Van Horn praised Leclair for returning to Mayville-Portland, giving to the community after his athletic career.
 
Funeral services for Leclair are entrusted to the Baker Funeral Home of Mayville.
 
His funeral service will be held this Friday, November 8, at 2 p.m. at the Riverside Evangelical Free Church in Mayville. A visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m., with a 6 p.m. prayer service, also at the church. Leclair will be buried at the Mayville Cemetery.
 
His full obituary can be found at the Baker Funeral Home website, by clicking this link.