James Robert McDonald, 78, of Bellefontaine, passed away Friday morning, November 26, 2021, at Hospice of Dayton, surrounded by his family.
Jim was born in Bellefontaine on March 8, 1943, to the late Robert Dally and Joy Elizabeth (Thompson) McDonald.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra L. (MacGillivray) McDonald, whom he married on July 27, 1991; children: Mickie Murray, Robert “Dal” (Kim) McDonald, and Jena McDonald; step-sons: Christopher (Nellie) Schmidt, Patrick (Lauren) Schmidt, and Lance (Andrea) Schmidt; 14 grandchildren: Spencer Murray, Jake Kennedy, D.J. McDonald, Mia McDonald, Drew Erwin, Aubrie Erwin, Evie, Zuri, Ella, Addie, Luke, Vivienne, Henrik, and Isla Schmidt; a sister Janice McDonald; and nephews Chris (Kelly) Leasure and Dusty Leasure.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Jim was a teacher for Bellefontaine City Schools and retired in 2001. “Coach Mac” was a cornerstone of Chieftain wrestling for nearly 30 years and is the namesake of the “Jimmy Mac” Team Wrestling Tournament. He was honored to be inducted into the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association Hall of Fame. In his spare time, Jim loved to fish and always looked forward to the annual trips to Canada fishing with his buddies. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids in their sporting events. Jim also volunteered his time helping with Meals-On-Wheels for many years. In his younger years, he built the Dairy Queen at Russells Point. While spending time in Florida, he helped train dolphins.
Friends may call on Tuesday, November 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, and on Wednesday, December 1, from 10 to 11 a.m. Pastor Matt Sandlin will officiate Jim’s funeral on Wednesday, December 1, at 11 a.m. The family asks that you be symptom free, and consider wearing a mask. Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Meals of Wheels, c/o United Way of Logan County, 130 S. Main St. #109, Bellefontaine, OH 43311; Alzheimer’s Association, 31 West Whipp Road, Dayton, OH 45459; or Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45458.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the McDonald family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.