James Eugene McDonald, 86, passed away at 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born Sept. 15, 1924 in Howard County to Mark and Ruth (Merrill) McDonald on the same Hoosier Homestead farm where he was currently living. He was married November 28, 1946 to Jane Oldfather.

He graduated from Clay Township (Howard County). Upon graduation he joined and served in the US Navy Seabees from 1943-1946. He served in France, New Caledonia and Japan. After serving his country he graduated from Purdue University with a bachelors of science in 1949 and received his master’s degree in 1955.

Jim was a lifelong educator. He taught at Western School Corporation for 18 years and Southeastern School Corporation for 19 years. He retired from teaching in 1986.

He was a member of the Galveston American Legion Post 415 and the Lions Club. He was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa as well as many local and state education organizations.

Surviving with his wife are his children; Rita (Dennis) Long, Galveston, Donald (Linda) McDonald, Carmel, Michael (Helen) McDonald, Galveston, and Mark (Karen) McDonald, Galveston; grandchildren, Jennifer Long, Briana Long, Kiel McDonald, Audrey (Paul) Spencer, Bryce McDonald, and Kaitlyn McDonald.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 13th at 11:30 am at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with Rev. Joel Surface and Rev. Warren Purcell officiating.  Burial will follow at the Galveston Cemetery.   Friends may call on Friday, August 12th from 4 - 8 pm at the funeral home and also from 10 am until service time on Saturday.  Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Galveston.

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