James Francis McDonald

Jim was born on April 23, 1949 in Brooklyn, NY to James T. McDonald and Frances Nearney McDonald. Jim grew up in Wantagh on Long Island, graduating from St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary in Uniondale, before taking his basketball skills to St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY, where he received his BBA. While at SJFU Jim met his future wife of 53 years, Candy, and established many life-long friendships.

Jim and Candy stayed in Rochester to make their home and start their family. Jim began his business career with time at Dunn & Bradstreet before moving to Marketing experience at Dollinger Corporation where he made great friends and great memories. Warmer weather and year-round golf beckoned and Jim and Candy moved to Houston where Jim spent 33 years with Hatfield & Company in sales, management, then Vice President of Gulf Coast Region. His stress relief was enjoying golf at Kingwood Country Club with his long time golf group and meeting new golf buddies. Jim's special joy was playing golf with his son JT and daughter Lyndsey. They both followed in his footsteps playing for the Golf Team at Kingwood High School and made him proud. Retirement found Jim and Candy in beautiful Hot Springs Village, AR playing golf, making new, dear friends and enjoying the outdoor life of lakes, trails, and road trips, before returning back to the Houston area.

Jim was a man of strength and integrity. He was an encouraging mentor to many over the years and a true friend who always had your back. The protector of his family was a role Jim took seriously and he loved his time with his grandchildren. He will truly be missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sue McDonald Carlisle. He is survived by Candy, his loving wife of 53 years, his daughter Lyndsey McDonald Garza, and son JT McDonald (Stephanie), and five cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Garza, Mia Garza, Thomas Garza, Owen McDonald, and Evan McDonald. Jim is also survived by his sisters Jean Gorham (Mike) and Patricia Florance (Al) and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any charitable donations be made in his name to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.