Jimmy L McDonald

Jimmy Lee “Jim” McDonald of Mobile, Alabama, peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, while holding the hand of his wife of 51 years, Sandra H. “Sandy” McDonald. Jim was born on January 3, 1939, in Water Valley, Mississippi, the son of the late John Henry McDonald and Ruth Peacock McDonald.

Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Frances McDonald Sartain. He is survived by his wife, Sandy, of Mobile; his three (3) children and their families; daughter Elizabeth McDonald Dallessio and husband, Joseph J. Dallessio, of Cape Coral, Florida, and their children, Alex and Andy; daughter Jennifer McDonald Harrington and husband, Norman T. Harrington, of Mobile, their son, John Henry, and Norman’s sons, Zach, Jacob, and Joey; and their son, Michael Andrew “Andy” McDonald and wife, Janea S. McDonald, of Long Beach, Mississippi, and their children, Emily and Jack.

Growing up in North Mississippi, Jim was an avid hunter, oftentimes taking out his favorite bird dog, Duchess, from which he formed his life-long love of dogs. Jim graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1962 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He moved around out West from New Mexico, where among other things he peddled Brylcreem for a time, to California where he landed one of his favorite jobs, marketing Schlitz beer by providing bar owners Schlitz merchandise and buying patrons Schlitz beer. Jim eventually moved back to the South, settling in Birmingham, Alabama, where he began work as an insurance claims adjuster in which role he remained for various companies the rest of his working life. Birmingham is also where Jim met the love of his life, his wife, Sandy. Jim loved his family dearly and was a hands-on dad. In his own words, he could change a diaper with one hand while eating a PB&J with the other. He encouraged his children to work hard and succeed in life; one of their greatest accomplishments being his pride in them.

The world lost all manner of color when Jim died. Everyone will have to pick up the slack and live a bit louder and more colorfully. In lieu of a memorial service or gifts of flowers to the family, Jim’s family would encourage readers of his obituary to donate to their favorite charity, love their families and friends by word and act, to be true to themselves, to live their lives to the fullest, to create wonderful memories, to leave as few regrets as possible, and to be kind and show love to everyone.

Look out, Heaven, Jimmy Lee’s comin’ in hot.