James Allen Donaldson

James Allen Donaldson passed away on May 1, 2025, he was 78 years old. He was born on September 15, 1946, in Kenova, West Virginia, to June Hayes and George Donaldson. He spent his early childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later moved to Sharon, Pennsylvania.
On June 17, 1972, James married Mary Heintz in State College, Pennsylvania. Together, they built a loving life in Rockville and later Gaithersburg, Maryland, where they raised their three children.
James proudly served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. Following his military service, he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University in 1973.
He dedicated his professional life to public service, working for the Department of the Navy at the Pentagon for three decades until his retirement in 2003. Outside of work, James was an active and devoted father, coaching youth sports and cherishing time with his children. He also found joy in walking his beloved dogs—his dalmatian, Mike, and two beagles, George and Buster. James also volunteered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center supporting recent amputees.
James is survived by his wife, Mary Donaldson; their children, Brad (wife, Laurel) Donaldson, Brent (wife, Stacey) Donaldson, and Meghann (husband, Shawn) Kohli; and their cherished grandchildren, Jack, Ava, Blair, Brandon, Emma, Devin, and Hayden. Private service.