It is with profound sadness and much love that the family of James Everett McDonald, Jr. announces his peaceful passing on Sunday, September 27, 2020, in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 81. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1939, to James and Daisy, he was a Southerner true to his roots. Jim’s love of the outdoors began during childhood and continued throughout his life. Camping, fishing and hunting trips with siblings and friends were favorite past times. The outdoors wasn’t his only passion, though. As a young adult, he loved to zip around the city streets in his beloved Austin-Healey and Triumph sports cars (with matching sweaters!). Nothing made him happier than attending a thrilling auto race, speedboat race or air show.
James graduated from Albany High School, in Albany, Georgia in 1958 and moved to Florida shortly thereafter. On the same night that he put a deposit down on a ’65 Corvette in Clearwater, he met the love of his life, Patricia, and his priorities changed. From their first date on May 22nd, to their engagement on July 4th and then to their wedding on September 10th, 1966 , James and Patricia were soulmates to the end. After marrying Patricia, Jim began working at the Florida Times Union in the composing room, along with his brother Don. He made many treasured friends and memories working there. Jim began working for the City of Jacksonville in 1968. A natural born leader, Jim ultimately became Division Chief for Housing Safety and Property Safety, and devoted 27 years of service to the City. He was a member of the Leadership Jacksonville class of 1982 and graduated from the University of North Florida Government Fellows Program in 1986. Never one to sit idle, Jim also served in the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Police Reserves for 17 years. Serving as a Captain in the Reserves and as PBA Board President for three terms, protecting and serving was true to his heart.
James and Patricia welcomed daughter, Stephanie, in 1972. She stayed the pride and joy of his life, as were his granddaughters, Ashley and Courtney. He loved being a father and grandfather. Family picnics in Washington Oaks State Gardens, fishing and canoe trips down the St. Johns, barbecues at national parks and exploring the history and beauty of the South in Cherokee, Savannah and Charleston are treasured memories with Jim. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James and Daisy, and his brother, David. He will be forever cherished and remembered by his wife, Patricia; daughter, Stephanie (Lenny); granddaughters, Ashley and Courtney; brother, Don (Berle); sister, Beverly (Leon) and brother, Allyn (Donna). The family would like to thank Westminster Woods on Julington Creek and Community Hospice for their loving care and support of Jim and his family.
A celebration of life gathering will be held Saturday, October 24th at 3:00 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home at 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. His brother, Don, will officiate, helping joyfully remember and honor a life well-lived. An informal gathering for family and friends will follow. Please share your memories, funny stories and thoughts of Jim by signing the guestbook below.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18