Extracted from The Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach, FL)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009

James M. “Jimmie” McDonald
Dec. 19, 1947 - Jan. 3, 2009

James M. “Jimmie” McDonald, age 61, of Crestview, Fla., passed away Saturday morning, Jan. 3, 2009, at his residence after a lengthy illness.

Jimmie was born on Dec. 19, 1947, in Monroe, La., to Harry and Eloise McDonald. He was raised in Louisiana and attended N.E. Louisiana University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business. Currently, he was attending CLST to obtain a ministerial degree. He worked in the insurance industry, performed building maintenance at Abundant Life Church, and most recently was employed by Pilot Escort Co., escorting large cargo loads over land. He had been active in his community through the Jaycees and Knights of Pythias, and was a lifetime member of BASS. He served many years with Little League baseball in both Louisiana and Florida. Jimmie served as head usher at ALC and also served as usher and greeter at the Family Church in West Monroe, La.

Jimmie was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved watching cage fighting and science fiction movies. He loved his family dearly and will be deeply missed by them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry; and a brother, Billy.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Dianne McDonald; his children, Mary Margaret McDonald of Denham Springs, La., J. Michael and Kristie McDonald Jr. of Navarre, Fla., Matthew Isaiah McDonald and Morganne Margaret McDonald of Crestview; two grandchildren, Shawn Michael McDaniel of Monroe, La., and James Michael McDonald III of Navarre; and a great-grandchild, Kaden Michael McDaniel of West Monroe. He is also survived by his mother, Eloise Stalk; a sister, Margaret Gayle McDonald; and by many friends and hunting buddies.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at Emerald Coast Worship Center (formerly Fishers of Men) in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., with Pastors Don Wirt and Johnnie Jackson officiating. Burial will be in Louisiana on Saturday after a memorial service there.

Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.