James Edward McDonald Jr.

James Edward McDonald, Jr., 82, of Olive Branch, MS passed away on October 29, 2025. Mr. McDonald was born on November 24, 1942, in Louisville, KY. He is a graduate of Tennessee School for the Deaf. After high school, he attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He was a master jeweler for over 50 years and during his career, he worked for Memphis Jewelry and Robert Irwin Jewelers. After his retirement from the jewelry business he worked as a package handler for FedEx until his retirement. In his free time, Mr. McDonald enjoyed watching college football. Even though he would watch any game on tv, his favorite teams were the Tennessee Volunteers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He also loved watching WWE. Mr. McDonald had a bubbly personality and never met a stranger. He could make friends with anyone he encountered. He was also known for being a jokester. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail Helmer McDonald; father, James Edward McDonald, Sr.; mother, Louise Mize McDonald; sister, Helen Fletcher; and two dogs that he loved very much, Tammy and Pearl. He is survived by his daughter, Beth Williams (David); grandchildren, Brittany Williams and Stewart Williams; sister, Charlene McCoy; a niece, Deborah Lundstrom; and a dog, Pepper.