James (Jim) David McDonald, of New Middletown, OH, and formerly of Chester, WV, passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on August 6,2021, at the Hospice House in Poland, OH.
He was born on November 27th, 1939, at East Liverpool City Hospital and grew up in Hookstown, PA.
Preceding him in death are his parents, David Eugene McDonald, and Hannah Suzanna (McElhaney) McDonald, an infant sister, Anna Jane, an infant grandchild, Daniel McDonald, and a brother-in-law, Norman Wright.
Surviving him is his loving wife, Kathleen (Wright) McDonald. They met at Melody Lane Roller Rink in Hookstown and enjoyed square dancing. They were married on July 3, 1965. Also surviving are his two sons, Deacon Andrew (Victoria) McDonald of Poland, OH, and Gary (Shannon) McDonald of Lisbon, OH, five grandchildren, Colin, Kathryn, Lillian, Marian, and Vivian, a sister, Mildred (Richard) McDonald Sefton of Beaver, PA, a sister-in-law, Suzanne (Late Norman) Wright of Mechanicsburg, PA, a brother-in-law, Jay (Nancy) Wright of Chester, WV, and numerous nephews and nieces.
He was a member of the first graduating class of South Side High School in 1957. He served six years as an Army Staff Sergeant in the 475th Quartermaster Company of the Army Reserves. He is a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Chester, WV, and had served as a Deacon and on the Property Committee. He retired from U.S. Airways as a Maintenance Supervisor. Prior to that, he was employed at PGT Trucking and Airco Gases as a diesel mechanic.
He is a member of the Chester American Legion Post 121. He served on the Hancock County Fair Board and as an officer of the Tri-State Historical Steam Engine Association. He is a member of the Rumely Products Collectors Association and was a member of numerous antique tractor and engine clubs across the tri-state area. He loved taking his tractor through parades and was known for his Rumely Oilpull Tractor and antique engine displays. In later years, he loved reading Western novels and touring Amish country.
Rev. Frank Lewis will celebrate Jim’s life at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chester on Thursday, August 12, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mill Creek Hill Cemetery in Georgetown, PA. Friends and family are invited to visit with the family at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester on Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the service.