James "Jim" Robert McDonald

James “Jim” R. McDonald of Gladwin, Michigan, formerly of Lansing and Saginaw

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the Regency at Lansing West. He was 93 years old. James R. McDonald was born on July 25, 1929, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Duncan and Jennie (Lintz) McDonald. He was a proud 1947 graduate of Saginaw High School. Jim honorably served his country in the United State Army during the Korean War from March 1951 until his honorable discharge in February 1953. Through a friend, Jim began exchanging letters with the former Barbara Ann Smith. Upon his return from the army, they began dating, fell in love, and were united in marriage on February 4, 1956; she preceded him in death June 15, 2012. Jim was employed with General Motors Steering Gear as a machine operator and inspector, retiring after many years of loyal and dedicated service. He was a longtime member of Warren Avenue Presbyterian Church in Saginaw and a current member of Memorial Presbyterian Church in Midland. Jim was also a 32-year member of American Legion Post 439. He was a Michigan State University enthusiast and long-time season ticket holder for their football and basketball teams. Jim began the family tradition of tailgating, passing this down to his children and grandchildren. He was a gifted and talented woodworker and over the years he created beautiful furniture, rocking chairs, end tables, and bookcases. Jim could also fix anything, from simple and complex car repairs and home improvements, to construction and painting. He was the master at repairing all things. Jim’s little piece of heaven was spending time with his family on West Londo Lake near Hale. Above all, he loved and cherished his family, especially being the perfect grandfather to all his grandchildren. Jim will forever be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit, for being loyal, reliable, and selfless to anyone in need, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories. 

Surviving are two sons and one daughter, Maxwell (Jean) McDonald of Gladwin; James (Patty) McDonald of Phoenix, AZ; Jodi (Kim) McDonald of Eagle; five grandchildren: Maxwell (Ashley) McDonald, Kathleen (Becca) Saag, Duncan (Adair) McDonald, Spencer (Drew) McDonald, Morgan (Marissa) McDonald; one great-grandson: Ezra James Saag; a brother and sister: Duncan (Gail) McDonald, Judy Langworthy; sister-in-law, Delores McDonald.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, William (Hope) McDonald, Richard McDonald, George (Dolores) McDonald, Margaret “Toot” (Walt) Kirk, Donna McDonald and Janet McDonald; and a brother-in-law, Lee Langworthy. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at McLaren Hospice for all the love and care they provided to Jim and the family.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2022, at the W. L. Case & Company, 201 N. Miller Road. Rev. Ted McCulloch will officiate. Military Honors and burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #439. Friends are welcome to visit at the funeral chapel on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to McLaren Hospice or Memorial Presbyterian Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.