James L. McDonald

He was born May 9, 1949 in Pittsburgh, PA to Lynn and Ruth McDonald.

James graduated from Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, PA in 1967 and DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in 1971. He continued his education at the Arizona State University. James had many different jobs throughout his life, all sports-related, including working for professional sports teams and the USFL. He ultimately started his own company publishing college and graduate school profiles.

James was a resident of the Las Vegas and San Diego areas, moving to both cities to be close to his children and grandchildren. James loved sports and enjoyed watching his professional teams play baseball and football. Most of all, he loved watching his favorite players, his two children and four grandchildren, play and perform.

James is survived by his daughter, Kristin of Encinitas, CA and son, Sean of Las Vegas, NV and four grandchildren: Mackenzie, Devin, Connor and Chloe. Also survived by his three brothers: Robert, of Brunswick, Ohio, Ken, of Gainesville, FL and David, of Norfolk, VA.

James was incredibly funny and had a great sense of humor. He loved to have fun; he had a great laugh and an infectious smile. His grandchildren brought him immense joy. James taught Mackenzie and Devin how to ride a bike, spent countless hours playing with them and having sing-a-longs to his favorite tunes. James was a caring and kind man and a devoted dad and grandpa. He was known by many affectionate names by those who knew and loved him: Killer (in his younger years), Uncle Spunky, Pa-Pa, and will always be known as the Greatest Grandude ever.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., December 28, 2022 at Palm Mortuary. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on June 24, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA.