James W. McDonald

James "Jim" Wallace McDonald

October 2, 1937 — August 15, 2026

Jim was born on October 2, 1937, in Huntingdon, Tennessee, to William Wallace McDonald and Dorothy Cathryn Sasser. He grew up alongside his siblings, Bobby Thomas and Linda Sue. Even as a young man, Jim showed the drive that would define his life — serving as student body president, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and becoming a regional Golden Gloves flyweight boxing champion.

In his early years, Jim married Joanne Cook, and together they raised three children, Michelle, Leslie, and Phil. He built a career as a computer programmer in the space industry, working in both California and Florida.

Later in life, Jim married Jeannie Beattie, welcoming her son Evan into the family. Jim and Jeannie shared an entrepreneurial spirit that led them from pig farming to founding a creative computer school to building a legacy of rental properties. Their work went beyond property — Jim and Jeannie partnered with local police to help drive drug dealing off the sidewalks of a struggling neighborhood, transforming it block by block into a safer, more livable place for the families who called it home.

Jim's retirement was every bit as full as his working years — traveling, house projects, lending a hand to friends, and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. No matter how hard he worked, Jim always found time to share a breakfast outing with friends and family.

Jim will be forever missed and never forgotten by those of us who had the privilege of calling him husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannie of 47 years; his sister, Linda; his children, Michelle and husband David, Leslie, and Phil and wife Jerralyn; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and long-time friends.

Celebrations of Jim's life are being planned, with dates and details to be announced.