James Hughes Donaldson

James H. Donaldson, age 97, of Zion, Illinois passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022. James was born March 31, 1925. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Greene Donaldson; parents, Benjamin Franklin Donaldson and Martha Hughes Donaldson; brother, Ben Donaldson and grandson, J. J. Donaldson.

James is survived by his children, Diane Donaldson (Jerry Winslow), Debra Donaldson, Jamie (Diane) Donaldson, Jeff (Annette) Donaldson; grandchildren, Steven, Heidi, Aaron, Ryan, Michelle, Kevin, and Kelsey and Great Grandchildren, Reilly, Lily, Violet, Harper, Easton, Eli, Ivy, Catriona, Wyatt, Aurora, and Viviana and many other extended family members.

After graduation from Waukegan H.S., Jim gladly enlisted to serve his country in WWII in the U.S. Navy Sea Bees, ( Construction Battalion) in Guam and the Marshall Islands from 1943-46. Returned to Waukegan to marry Barbara Greene and worked for the IL Bell Telephone Co, and Reed-Randle Ford. Later was the owner of Park Bowling Lanes, where he hosted P.E. classes from Jefferson Junior High, and many youth and adult bowling leagues. His favorite career was serving in the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, rising to the rank of Captain and being appointed Chief Deputy.

Jim was an avid golfer, and especially enjoyed running the Donaldson’s Duffers League at Bonnie Brook Golf Course. He loved the Bears and the Cubs, and was thrilled when the Cubs won the World Series in 2016. He loved music, especially the Gospel Sing at Rolling Hills, and could play many instruments by ear. He always made family gatherings fun, especially Christmas Eve, with lots of singing, The 12 Days of Christmas, universal gifts and the Donaldson talent show.

In lieu of flowers, go bowling, play a round of golf, be nice to a cop, ride a motorcycle, or enjoy a root beer float. Private family memorial at a later date.

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