James J. McDonald

James John McDonald, born February 20, 1931, passed away September 1, 2020 after living a full life of 89 years. He Married the love of his life, Ida Mae Wilson, on April 26, 1952 at Port Hudson Catholic Church, Port Hudson, Missouri.

Playing basketball at New Haven High School, he continued his education at SMSU in Warrensburg, Missouri and later earned his master's degree in education from St Louis University, St. Louis.  James taught school for 29 years before retiring from Geggie Elementary, Eureka, Missouri,  and was owner of McDonald Realty, and, brokered at Wieman and Pues Insurance in Washington, Missouri.  James served honorable in the United States Army.

James and his wife, Ida,  raised 4 children: Micki Fischer married to Dale, Mary Beth Hopp, Timothy McDonald married to Genny and Lorri Keenum, married to Bill. As a grandfather, Jim was very proud of his grandchildren: Cameron Fischer, Collin Fischer and wife Chelsie, Christian Fischer, and wife Danielle.  He was proud of Sarah Hopp and Eldon Hopp, Kolby Wienstroer and husband John, Keaton Keenum, and wife Kali.  He was blessed with eleven great grandchildren.

As an avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He and his wife would go on great travel adventures, including many trips to St Louis Cardinals spring training.  James remained a dyed in the wool cardinal fan regardless of the season !

He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. McDonald and Lillian Brunner of New Haven, Missouri.  His sister Elizabeth and husband George Firsick, brothers in law, Bill Wilson, and Ralph Otto.  

He is survived by his brother Charles and wife Frances McDonald, Sisters in law Angie Otto, Ardith Wilson and Linda Wilson.

Jim had an  ever present sense of humor and will be missed by many.

A private Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2020. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Lake Timber Ridge Association, Inc. A place Jim dearly loved to share with his family and friends.

C/O Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home

1206 Jefferson Street

Washington, Missouri 63090

636.239.6707

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank all those who helped us care for Dad during the past years.  All his doctors and therapists.  The staff at Homestead at Hickory View, Union Care Center and Oak Point Assisted Living. Thank you for the compassion the caregivers showed at Mercy Re-hab Hospital and Mercy Hospital. We hope the friendships, understanding and kindness showed our Dad in his life will be returned to your families in abundance.

Micki, Mary, Tim, and Lorri

" We will miss you terribly Dad "