James Edmund McDonald

James Edmund McDonald, 81, of Delhi, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. He was born on March 9, 1936, in Manchester, the son of Patrick and Mary (Houlahan) McDonald. Jim graduated from Delhi High School. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1959 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. After completing the ROTC program, Jim served honorably in the United States Army as a 1st  Lieutenant.

On June 29, 1963, Jim was united in marriage to Mary June Hennessey at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Ryan. Three children were born to this union. Together they resided on the McDonald farm near Delhi. Mary June passed away on April 24, 2017.

Jim was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He loved dancing with his wife and socializing with friends. He looked forward to his annual Farm House fraternity college reunions. He was a voracious reader who enjoyed debates regarding politics, religion, and history with anyone who was willing to engage him (and some who weren’t). He appreciated traveling to other countries and meeting new people. In 2017, Jim proudly received the 150-year Family Farm Heritage Award.

Survivors include his three children, Jamie (Kristin) McDonald of Clive, Sean (Melissa) McDonald of Marion, and Brigid (Charles) Gifford of Menasha, Wisconsin; nine grandchildren; and a sister, Jo Ann (Steve) Nelson of Downers Grove, Illinois.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mary June; his parents; a brother, Patrick McDonald; and a sister, Marna, who died in infancy.

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