Our beloved father, James W. McDonald passed away peacefully in his sleep shortly before midnight on March 10, 2021 at the age of 87. James and his siblings, John, Hugh and Mary all born to Sarah and John McDonald in Brooklyn, New York are once again together in God's loving Arms. Upon graduation from James Madison High School, Jim, a southpaw, received offers to pitch from both the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants. He signed with the Giants and travelled the country playing with the team's farm System. Jim really enjoyed sharing memories of that time...you only had to ask him!
Jim also served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was stationed at Arlington National Cemetery as part of the Honor Guard during the Korean Conflict. After receiving an honorable discharge, Jim returned to his beloved Brooklyn and began his career serving the people of his hometown as a New York City firefighter. He was a lifetime member of the FDNY Emerald Society as he always proudly embraced his Irish Heritage.
Jim married in 1959 and had four childtren; James, Joanne, Frances and Kevin. We have fond memories of the many happy summers we spent with him here in beautiful Sussex County. He was a true original. Just a funny guy. We laughed a lot and always felt loved. After retiring from the FDNY in 1973, Jim began a second career as one of the original Operating Engineers with local 94 at the opening of the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center. He greatly enjoyed his time there, sometimes a little too much.
The Towers were his home away from home. He enjoyed having us come explore the buildings with him as children. Jim retired about the time of the 1993 WTC bombing. He relocated to the Jersey shore where he enjoyed his remaining years with his beloved partner, Ann. Together they spent fifteen years traveling, golfing and taking part in musical theater as members of the Seabrook Players. Jim was cast as lead in many of the productions as he was gifted with a beautiful tenor voice.
His years at the shore were truly some of his happiest. Dad cherished time spent with his loved ones...Ann, his children thirteen grandchildren and two great granddaughters. He is also remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews
