Dear Family and Friends,
It is with great sadness to let you know about the passing of my sweetheart. Jim fought many years with multiple physical and mental illnesses. One of those physical illnesses was his heart, and on the afternoon of Sunday May 24th, 2020 Jim succumb to complications of heart disease. Jim was a loving husband, Dad, and Papa.
Jim was born in 1966 in Mount Kisco, New York. He was three weeks old when his family moved to El Paso, Texas. He was the youngest of four kids. Jim loved to read, go camping, carving wooden figures, drawing cartoon characters, any and all guns, and target shooting. The most important thing in Jim’s life was his family. There wasn’t a day that went by where we didn’t feel his love and support. Jim served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Los Angeles, California, he was transferred to Salt Lake City (knee surgery) to finish the last few months of his mission (that is where he met me). I met him on the 4th of July in 1987. His smile caught my eye, and that was the first time he made me laugh. We were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on January 28th, 1988. He spent the next 32 years making me smile. He was the best dad for our three girls that anyone could ask for. He thought that was the best calling in the world and then he became a Papa. He loved his little best buddies with all of his heart. He is survived by his loving wife, best friend, and partner; his three daughters and their spouses (Marci and Brian Franchina, Tara and Zach Cash and Sydnie and Andy Firmage); and his 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson (Judy Franchina, Nora, Olivia and Gracie Cash, and Benjamin James King); his brother Chris McDonald, sisters Ellen Fleming and Laurie Engle. Jim is now reunited with his parents Jean and John McDonald and in-laws Jerry and Judy Sedlacek. We are so grateful that we are an eternal family, and will be all together again. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are limited for those who can attend the services. We will stream the funeral so those that aren’t invited to attend in person can participate (more details to come in the following days). In lieu of flowers if you would like to help with funeral expenses please donate to this Venmo account: @Ann-McDonald-20. Our friends and family mean the world to us, and I know he loves you all as do I. I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and love during this difficult time.
Jimmer was always the life of any family gathering and he will be greatly missed. Jim knew how to show genuine love and interest in every person he met. He endured a lot, but always tried to keep a smile on his face. Whether it was a bad joke, a crazy story, a funny facial expression, or some sort of bodily noise, he usually made people laugh. Our family was lucky to have him in our lives. Love you Jimmer...until we meet again. ♥️
Thinking of you Ann and Family,
This Comes with love from us Essex England 🏴 to let you know that Our Thoughts are with you All loss of Jim.
With Our Love 💕💕
Monica, Caesar,& Joseph Acaye.
Ann and family,
Please know, Jim made a giant impact in my life. We made fast friends when we were 7-8 years old. I always thought of him as my brother from another mother! I was always made to feel welcome in his life, even if I didn’t know of his deep pains. May you find continued peace and comfort during this time and always! God be with you all!!
I feel I'm a better person for having known Jim. He'll be missed.
Ann. I didn't know Jim. However I have known you for some time working together. I wanted to send you some love and huge hugs today and tomorrow. And forever. You are one of the kindest and most serving towards others. In hopes to bring some peace and love to you. I know Jim is in a place now free of his struggles. And because of them he was not able to do the things he wanted for you in the ways he desired on earth. However in knowing Families are forever. Part of his serving and care now will be for you and your family. In ways Heavenly Father allows. He can now serve and be close by in spirit. Praying. Ministering. Loving and spending time with his family in other ways now he can. Where in other times he couldn't. I know Heavenly Father loves you. And the peace you feel is from Him. Love you Ann. My heart is with you. Tauni Poppleton.
Dorothy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Such a difficult time for you and your family to lose the patriarch of your home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the peace of our Savior full your hearts and home.
Sincerely, Holly and Rob Brough
Ann and family,I was heartsick when I learned of Jim's passing.Knowing Jim since we were 7 or 8 years old, I am sorry we didn't stay in touch these recent years.Jim was a solid influence in my life, I came to regard him as my brother from another mother! I know that the tears of sadness and loss on this side, are being met with tears of joy on the other! My regard for him has always extended to you and the girls as well! May God extend His peace upon you and your family! With loving arms! Brad
Ann,
I'm still reeling from hearing the news of Jim's passing. He was one of my favorite humans! I wish I had of been able to spend more time with him. I was honored to be his priesthood and scout leader in El Paso. Jim taught me so many things about life and friendship. I'll love him and you forever! Jim's testimony of the Gospel was strong and he was a good example in how we should follow Christ. I will be forever grateful for Jim's being part of my life! I'm so very sorry for you loss.
We loved him and his smile and his laugh. He was never still and always fun to be around. His heart was big. We were so blessed to have him around, even when he and Nate were up to mischief. He brought light and laughter to our home and family.
I just learned of Jim’s death yesterday.
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a gentle giant and the ultimate family man.