James Douglas McDonald

James "Doug" Douglas McDonald passed away on Wednesday, the 15th of October. He was 75 years of age. He was born on the 16th of August 1950, in Longview, Texas, to Howard M. McDonald and Rose Mary Stuckey McDonald. Throughout his life, he lived in South Carolina; Rayne, Louisiana; Liberal, Kansas; and Houston, Texas. Doug graduated from Bellaire High School in 1968 and went on to attend the University of Houston, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972. He then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch in 1976. While there, he met lifelong friends who remained close for more than 50 years.

In 1976, Doug opened his private dental practice in Bellaire, Texas. Dedicated to excellence and compassionate care, he served his patients for 48 years before retiring in 2024. In 1986, he pursued postgraduate studies in orthodontics, completing them in 1987. In recognition of his service and commitment to his profession, Doug received a Lifetime Membership Award from the Texas Dental Association in 2015.

Doug married the love of his life, Susan, whom he always referred to as his best friend. Together they raised two daughters, Alli and Lindsey, of whom he was immensely proud. He was deeply involved in their lives, traveling far and wide to support their sports and activities.

A devoted follower of Christ, Doug loved his church family and appreciated Pastor Gregg’s clear and faithful teaching of God’s word. His faith was central to his life and guided everything he did.

Doug enjoyed reading, traveling, hunting, fishing, and especially hiking with his family in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. He cherished time spent with his daughters and loved working alongside them in the dental office. He was proud of his two sons-in-law, Justin Rich and Cameron Barghi, and admired their hard work and devotion to family.

Doug’s greatest joy was his four grandchildren—Peyton Rich, Hudson Rich, Luke Barghi, and Isabelle Barghi. He loved attending their sporting events, school plays, concerts, and Grandparents Day celebrations. Holidays spent together were especially meaningful to him.

He had great respect for his in-laws and extended family and was known as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend.

Thank you, Doug, for living what you believed and for being a shining example of a faith-filled life.

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his path.” Proverbs 16:9

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 10th of November, in the chapel of Houston’s First Baptist Church - The Loop, 7401 Katy Freeway in Houston, where Minister Richard Ponce, Minister of Pastoral Care is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent reception room of the church.

We invite you to take a few moments to share memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the ‘Add a Memory’ icon below under ‘Show your Support.’