James "Jim" Frederick Donald Jr.

James “Jim” Frederick Donald, Jr., age 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, April 21, 2023. Jim was born in Chicago, IL, on July 8, 1940, to the late James Donald, Sr. and Henrietta Marinier. He attended St. Genevieve Catholic School of Chicago, Illinois. Jim had a deep love of his country and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for Western Electric at the Hawthorn Plant, for many years with his parents, and earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Wright Junior College, in Chicago, IL. Jim spent his later years traveling the world with his wife and love of his life, Sharon (Cornett) Donald; enjoying year-round gardening; and spending time with their many grandchildren. His passions were history and political science. He enjoyed studying genealogy and visiting the land of his ancestors, the MacDonald clan of Scotland. Jim and Sharon enjoyed many years of camping at the Outer Banks, walking along beaches, and collecting seashells. He enjoyed all types of music- favoring country, broadway, celtic & bagpipes.

Jim Donald was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marilyn J. Wallentin and twin. Jim leaves behind his wife, Sharon Donald; daughter, Tammy Donald and granddaughter, Riley Donald of Cary,NC; five step-children, Nathan and Allison Austin of Greensboro, NC; Carrie, Ellen, and Patrick Lonon, all of Greensboro, NC; ten beloved step-grandchildren: Lindsay, Caroline, Isaac, Patrick Jr., Jayson, Nate, Adrian, Adelaide, Maison, and Melaina; one step-great grandchild, Cecilia; nieces and nephews, Kathleen “Kathy,” Robert, Judy, Jim, and Laura (of the Wallentin Family), all of Illinois; and many beloved friends of Greensboro, NC. He will be missed by so many, as there will never be another like Jim Donald.

A visitation for Jim will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N Elm St, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401, followed by a gathering to share memories at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of cut flowers, the family is requesting small garden plants or seeds of your choosing, for planting in Jim’s garden. Candles are also appreciated. The family will receive loved ones for a short planting ceremony at the Donald residence following visitation, where you or family volunteers may plant in Jim’s honor. Jim is well known at his long-time favorite nursery, Carolina Gardens, located at 4027 Randleman Rd, in Greensboro, NC, approximately one mile from the Donald residence.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Donald family.