James Elvin Donaldson

June 1, 1924 – February 14, 2010

James Elvin Donaldson, 85, of Waco, went to join the Legions of God Sunday, February 14, 2010 after a short illness being cared for by his two sons and daughter. Chapel services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, February 18, 2010. Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors. A meal is being hosted for family at 5 p.m. at Bosqueville Baptist Church on Rock Creek Rd. after the services.

James was born in Cameron, Texas to James Thomas and Addie Gertrude Gray Donaldson. He serviced his country in WWII in the Army. He was a prisoner of war during his time in the European theater. He was very active in VFW and helping any and all disabled veterans as he was a disabled veteran himself. He was known for his expertise in baseball. His self-taught harmonica playing and dancing always drew quite a crowd. He was a very colorful character who had plenty of stories and he never met a stranger. He was a proud Christian husband, father and grandfather of 8, great-grandfather of 15 and great-great-grandfather of 5.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife of 56 years and mother of his children, Bettye Jean Dellis Donaldson; brother, Harold Lloyd Donaldson; step-father, W.F. Lancaster.

He is survived by two brothers, H.R. “Shorty” and Marion Donaldson of Lubbock, TX, and Bobby Lane and Maxine Donaldson of Muleshoe, TX; sister, Linda Kay and Forrest Shannon of Lubbock, TX and his children, Jan and George Farney of Waco, TX, Jim Donaldson of Waco, TX, Donna Laughlin of Waco, TX, Don Donaldson of Austin, TX, and Joe Donaldson and Sharon of Waco, TX; grandchildren, Khaun McCormick and Traci of Waco; Heather Waller of Waco; Jennifer Maggard of Waco, Jason Burgess and Cara of China Spring, Andy Donaldson of Waco, Jamie Bacerra and Ed of Austin, Scot Donaldson and Pamela of Austin, Robin Cobb and Clint of Dallas, Jamie and Scott Schaffer of Waco, and Eric Donaldson of Austin; sister-in-law, Shirley; Corinee Donaldson and her daughters, Phyllis and Carla.

Pallbearers will be Jason Burgess, Andy Donaldson, Eric Donaldson, Scot Donaldson, Khaun McCormick, and Randy Waller. Honorary Pallbearers are Don Donaldson and Joseph Donaldson.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to The American Heart Association or Friends for Life.

Arrangements under the direction of Connally/Compton Funeral Directors, Waco, TX.