Jimmie Howard Donald

Jim, 82, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2021 in Novant Matthews Hospital. His beloved wife of 60 years, Linda, and his son and daughter were present at his bedside. Born January 21, 1939 in Halifax County, Virginia; he was the son of the late Joseph H. Donald and Sterling Guthrie Donald.

Following graduation from William Campbell High School, he went into the US Navy from where he was honorably discharged. Throughout his younger years he was a very talented musician, playing with several bands up and down the east coast including: The Dazzlers, JD & the Upsetters, The Lancers and finally The Reflections with his son, Mike & daughter, Pam. He was a Merchandise Manager for Sears & Roebuck for 15 years. He also went into the music business with his wife Linda and purchased his first music store in Morehead City, NC. Over the years he owned and operated several additional Piano stores in NC, SC, and VA with his wife and son. Jim, Linda, and Mike currently own and operate JML Piano in Fayetteville, NC.

Jim was a devoted family man, guided by his Baptist faith. The light of his life was his precious wife, Linda Cyrus Donald, whom he jokingly referred to as “headquarters” prior to making any decisions. He enjoyed nothing more than being on stage entertaining with his amazing guitar skills and his legendary voice. His proudest moments were spent on stage with his son and daughter and later with his 3 grandsons. He would often brag on his talented family boasting of the “3 Generations of Musicians” on stage. He was still performing with the same level of skill as recently as last year often sitting in with his son Mike’s band and his daughter Pam’s sons. He was inducted into the Virginia Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the Fayetteville NC Icons of Music.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda Cyrus Donald; his son, Mike Donald (Sharon) of Sanford NC; his daughter, Pam Donald Hogue (Joey) of Monroe, NC; his beloved five grandchildren: Bradley Parks, Brandon Parks, Stephen Donald, Jamie Salmon, and Chris Prevatte; ten great-grandchildren: Jenson, Jackson, Lexy, Sebastian, Dylan, Ashtyn, Preston, Landon, Christopher, and Corey; two sisters: Shirley Moorefield of Brookneal, VA and Linda Gryder of Tennessee; special Sister-in-Law Sandy Fix (Jerry) of Madison Heights, VA, multiple nieces and nephews; and his Puppy AJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Sterling Donald.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 2pm on Monday, December 27, 2021 at McEwen Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30-1:45pm.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider Levine Cancer Institute in honor of his 6 time cancer survivor wife and daughter who both received care during their cancer battles.