James Lawrence McDonald was born to George and Alice McDonald on Aug. 24, 1950, in DeSmet, South Dakota. He moved from his earthly home in Safford, Arizona to Heaven on April 26, 2021.
James grew up on a farm in South Dakota, before moving with his family to Seattle. After school, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps before meeting and marrying the love of his life, Cynthia. They were married nearly 47 years and had three daughters that they raised in Maltby, Washington, where they lived for more than 40 years.
He made his living as a drop hammer operator and spent 30 years with the same company. He was a faithful husband, a beloved dad, a good provider, a hard worker, a loyal friend, and an avid hunter and fisherman. He valued family, adored his siblings, and was a wonderful and proud poppa to his grandchildren. He loved to laugh and tell jokes. He loved country music and Golden Oldies, big trucks, and dogs. He had a good heart and a soft spot for the elderly and babies.
He is survived by his wife, Cynthia McDonald; his daughters, Melanie (Matt) Nugent, Teresa Holliday, Maureen (Adam) Sackman, and his grandchildren, Vaelyn, Riana, and James Nugent, Hana and Amari Holliday, and Linnea, Bjorn, Soren, and Sather Sackman. He was deeply loved and will be fiercely missed. Semper Fi.
Services are pending at this time.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel and Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
