"Our deepest sympathy for your loss. The family of Thomas & Ruby Maher"
In loving memory of
James P. McDonald
September 4, 1924 - March 11, 2014
James Patrick McDonald, son of Thomas and Catherine (Maher) McDonald, was born on September 4, 1924 at Emerson, Iowa. He passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 89 years, 6 months and 7 days.
All of James' life was spent on the family farm in the Imogene area. James attended St. Patrick's Academy, graduating with the Class of 1941. Following graduation, James farmed until entering the Army in March of 1945. He served overseas in Italy until receiving his Honorable Discharge in November of 1946. Following his service he returned home to resume farming.
On June 22, 1955, James was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ruth Mary McDonald at Westin, Iowa. They made their home on the family farm where they raised two boys, Michael and Thomas.
James was a longtime member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene. He loved dancing, dogs, horses, cattle, motorcycles and four wheelers.
Preceding James in death were his wife, Ruth Mary; son, Michael, Sr.; granddaughter, Mary Grace; father, Thomas; mother, Catherine; brothers, Emmet and John; sister, Eloise Kaiser and her husband Paul; brother-in-law, Lou Laughlin.
Survivors include his son, Thomas McDonald and his wife Susie and grandson, Levi McDonald, all of Emerson; granddaughter, Megan Kendrick and her husband Josh and great grandson, Mason and great granddaughter, Grace all of Glenwood, IA; grandson, Michael McDonald of Emerson; granddaughter, Katie McDonald of Emerson; Suzanne McDonald, wife of the late Michael McDonald, Sr.; two sisters, Mary Kathryn Laughlin of Imogene and Elenor Eller and her husband Frank of David City, NE; two sister-in-laws, Ann McDonald and Marge McDonald, both of Imogene; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Monday, March 17, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Imogene. Celebrant was Father Tom Kunnel. Organist was Carol Lee Rees and vocalist was Anne McDonald. Lector was Marty Maher. Eucharistic ministers were Sandy Bugg, Genene Fienup and Annie Van Houten. Altar servers were Ryan Laughlin and Alex Laughlin. Attending the memory register were Ann McDonald and Marge McDonald. Ushers were Pat McDonald, Andy Larson, Steve Laughlin and Kevin Maher. Honorary casket bearers were Jerry Head, Joe Hughes, Bud Laughlin, George McGargill and Justy Owens. Casket bearers were Jerry McDonald, John McDonald, Paul McDonald, Darrell Peterson, Jack Harbor and Jerry Laughlin. A Flag Presentation ceremony was conducted by the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88. Burial was in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Imogene. Memorials are being directed to the family.
Tributes
"Tom, and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I'll always remember him, and your mom, with admiration. They always had a smile when I saw them and were such kind people. I know you were very close to them. You'll be in my prayers. God bless you with peace and good memories."
"Sue and Tom and families, I was sad to hear of Jim's passing. I enjoyed the times we spent together back when I moved back to Iowa and at other family events. He was always special to me."
"Tom, Sue and your families, please know that I hold you in my prayers. I will miss Jim. For as long as I can remember, my father spoke fondly of Brother Jim and Ruth Mary. When I saw Jim in recent years, he almost always spoke of the good times that he had with John. I am saddened that I won't hear from them again about the dances at Neola. I appreciated many Jim's visits to my father at Good Samaritan. I am glad and grateful that Jim remained so long in his home on his farm. I would have hated for him to languish in the nursing home. Again, I pray for consolation for you in your loss. "
"Tom and family, so sorry to hear about your Dad. He and your Mom were some of the nicest people I knew. Glad Doug and I were part of their life. Sending our sympathy and prayers. Won't be able to attend the services, because we are in Texas we daughter and family."
"Tom, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. It's a time of grieving but also a time of rememberance. I'm hoping that those memories will comfort you in the days ahead. Thinking of you and your family, Elaine (Burrington) Barns Classmate, NV class of '79"