James McDonald

James Alan McDonald, age 75, of Duluth, Minn. Surrounded by close family, Jim passed away peacefully on August 31, 2016. Born in Duluth, July 3, 1941, he attended Holy Rosary Elementary, Duluth Cathedral High School (Class of 1959), and Michigan Tech University (BS, Electrical Engineering, 1964). Jim and Jeanette were married June 4, 1966 in Warba, Minn. After starting their family in Seattle, Wash., where he worked for Boeing on the SST project, Jim and Jeanette moved back home to Duluth in 1973.

An avid outdoor enthusiast and sportsman, Jim enjoyed long paddles and short portages in the BWCA and the Quetico Provincial Park. Dad loved to hate fishing— a great excuse to be on the water where he was most content. Known for his winter botany and early spring blooms, he also loved astronomy, photography, a busy workshop, and most of all, his family and friends gathered together. Always curious, his quick wit allowed for a great passion regarding knowledge and history, a family legacy for which all are grateful.

Preceded in death by parents Walter and Mary (Maney); aunts, Florence and Ruth Maney. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jeanette (Gould); sons, Jimmy M. (Jenna) McDonald, Michael F. McDonald; daughter, Cate R. (Jake Spano) McDonald; grandchildren, Connor, Mia, Ryan, Flynn, and Ben; Cousin, Bruce (Leanne) Rutherford; and other family and friends near and far.

The family would like to sincerely thank the entire team of Nurses, Doctors, and Staff of the ICU at St. Luke’s Hospital for their care of Jim and family.

Funeral Service will be 11 AM, Wednesday, September 7, 2016, with visitation one-hour prior at The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 East 4th St, Duluth, MN 55812. Memorials preferred to Hartley Nature Center, In Memory of Jim. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555.