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F. McDonald Obituary
McDonald died Sunday, the automaker said in a statement Monday. It did not give a specific cause of death.
The former General Motors executive served as president and chief operating officer from February 1981 until August 1987, when he retired.
McDonald, who hailed from Saginaw, Mich., got his start at GM as a student at the automaker's university, the General Motors Institute.
He spent two years in the Navy after graduation and then returned to GM in 1946, working at Saginaw Malleable Iron, a foundry for engine parts.
Over the ensuing decades, McDonald held various positions as he worked his way through the ranks.
Among his many GM assignments, he served as general manager at both Pontiac and Chevrolet.
As president, McDonald made improving GM quality a top priority, creating an initiative between local auto plant and union leadership aimed at improving the quality of GM's products.
McDonald is survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
25 Entries
June 30, 2010
May the words at Isaiah 25;8 be of comfort and encouragement to the family at this difficult time.
TM F
June 29, 2010
May our sincere sympathy be with you during this time of distress and grief. May your memories of James help you heal with him passing away.
Jehovah God will wake him up to a beautiful paradise earth. Revelation 21:3-4
MerlG
June 29, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the McDonald family. May you be comforted with the assurance from our loving God of a time when death will be no more.
1Corinthians 15:26.
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NAOMI SMUZESKI
June 26, 2010
I AM HAPPY I WORKED UNDER CONDITIONS OF F.JAMES MCDONALD, THEY WERE GOOD WORK, MONEY,GOOD RETIREMENT'S (1987),THANK YOU AGAIN. THE FAMILY WILL BE ADDED TO MY PRAYERS. I WORKED AT AC SPARK PLUG DIV.OF GM. GOD BLESS HIS LOVED ONES.
ms
June 24, 2010
My Deepest sympathies to the McDonald family. May you rely on the God of all Comfort to help you during this difficult time along with the words mentioned at Isaiah 25:8.
June 23, 2010
To the Family and Friends of F.James McDonald,
Psalm 34:18-"God is near to those who are broken at heart..."
You can feel that Death can leave a heartache that nothing can heal, just know that Love can leave a memory that no one can steal.
The Grant Family
Gregory Brandyburg
June 19, 2010
May the God of love comfort you in your time of sorrow.
Patty Blum
June 16, 2010
Jim McDonald was head of Pontiac when I worked in Pittsburgh. Sympathy to his family. He led GM and made us a better company.
Jean Reimann
June 16, 2010
My sincerest sympathy to the McDonald family and extended families. What a blessing of comfort we have in Jesus Christ. Death is certainly the enemy for those loved ones who experience the void of such highly respected men.
May the prayers and thoughts of so many people across this country comfort you with the knowledge of how beloved and widely respected F. James McDonald was to those fortunate to meet him.
Jean McDonald Reimann, Hobe Sound, FL
Juanita
June 16, 2010
To the McDonald family, sorry for the loss of such a fine man who went the extra mile in life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may Isaiah 33:24 bring you comfort.
samantha
June 16, 2010
i truly miss everything about you. i love you.
samantha
June 16, 2010
To the family of Mr. McDonald:
GM prospered under the leadership of a great man. May God bless and heaven smile.
Matt Green JR
LTC, LG
GM retiree serving in Afghanistan
Lydia
June 16, 2010
Keep James in your heart and may the comfort of knowing he sleeps in peace be a source of comfort. John 11:23-26.
June 16, 2010
GM in the Chevrolet and Pontiac Division were thriving in sales in the 80's.Thank you for being at the helm.
Our prayers are with you and your family. M. C. Foley MA.
Susan Faunce
June 16, 2010
My prayers are with you and your family Ron and Teri Murphy, daughter. Your father certainly raised a great one! I know that he will always be with you in your heart.
R Golay
June 15, 2010
To the the family of F James McDonald - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that James will be missed by many.
June 15, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
June 15, 2010
We offer our sincerest sympathies
to the Mcdonald Family and Friends.
It is promised to us that everyone
that behold's the Son and exercises
faith in him will have everlasting
life and he will resurrect him on
the last day.
A Chevy owner, LA Wells
June 15, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. McDonald. May he rest in peace....
Edy Lombardo
June 15, 2010
Your business influence effected generations of working blue collar families in the Detroit area. You will be missed rest in peace...
Victoria
June 15, 2010
Our condolences
sentiments
to the McDonald family..
Admired with integrity
~RIP~F.JAMES MCDONALD
Bob Mercer
June 15, 2010
We at Goodyear thought the world of Jim. He was demanding, fair, ethical and as a result made us a betterCo. to do business with. I liked his style, intelligence and sense of humor. GM needed more like him. I am saddened at his passing and extend my deepest sympathies to his family.
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