James “Jimmy” McDonald, Jr., 74, of Hawkinsville, Georgia, passed away peacefully after being surrounded by his favorite music and his family on June 24, 2024, following more than a decade of suffering with Parkinson’s Disease.
Born in August of 1949, Jimmy was the eldest son of Geraldine “Jeri” Graves and the late James Clifton McDonald, Sr. He later became big brother to four sisters and one brother, all of whom he adored. In 1975, he welcomed his only child, his pride and joy. Jimmy later became “Georgia Pa” to three beautiful grandchildren.
Jimmy graduated from Hawkinsville High School in 1967. Not long after, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam era. Upon his honorable discharge, in 1972, Jimmy resided in Macon, GA. He dedicated his life to awakening a joy for music in everyone who met him. Jimmy had an encyclopedic knowledge of Rock & Roll history and was a local aficionado, selling vinyl collectibles for over 35 years. Many people in the area knew him through his record shop at Smiley’s in Macon, GA. Jimmy was a sports enthusiast and devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves and UGA athletics. He was known to have a game on the radio and on the TV, while simultaneously discussing the subtleties of the game with friends or family on the phone. It was Jimmy’s way of “keeping the line open”.
A chapel service for Jimmy will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3969 Mercer University Drive, Macon, Georgia 31204. The family will greet friends following the interment at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery with a catered reception. Following the reception, an additional interment will be held at Orange Hill Cemetery on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 3:00 PM, 75 Industrial boulevard, Hawkinsville GA 31036. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to The Parkinson's Foundation, http://www.parkinson.org
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Eunice Thelma "Mama" Smith, his brother, Charles "Chuck" Graves, and his beloved companion, Amy Jo Thomas.
Jimmy is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Cory) Strawbridge of Braselton, GA; mother, Jeri Graves of Watkinsville, GA; sisters, Kathy (Kerry) Waters of Auburn, GA, Sandi (Sam) Rafal of Athens, GA, Patti (Gary) Scott of Statham, GA, and Marsha McDonald Hartley of Hawkinsville, GA; grandchildren, Cade, Mira, and Kaia; nieces and nephews, Patrick, Ashley, Faith (Tim), Alex, Andrew (Ashley), Noah, Levi (Dakota), and Asa.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.
Snow's Funerals and Cremations @ Macon Memorial Park has charge of the arrangements.
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