James Jefferson McGlothern Sr., a retired Social Security administrator, died of cancer at his Cross Keys home Sunday. He was 86.

Mr. McGlothern was born in Dolomite, Ala., and raised in Maryville, Tenn., where he graduated from high school. He attended Tennessee State College but left school and moved to Baltimore.

He began his career with the Social Security Administration in 1942 but interrupted it to join the Army during World War II. He was discharged in 1945 with the rank of staff sergeant.

Mr. McGlothern returned to the SSA after the war and was a branch chief at the time of his retirement in 1977.

He enjoyed playing and teaching bridge.

He was a longtime parishioner, Sunday school teacher and member of the day care board at Union Baptist Church, where services were held yesterday .

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Anne Young; a son, James J. McGlothern Jr. of Baltimore; a daughter, Carmen Karene of Boston; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.