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.