James J. "Coach" McDonald

Shortly after 1960 Christmas Day my junior year at Ottawa Hills, Coach had a couple of practices that week. The first day he turned the heat up in the gym and I remember staggering over to the drinking fountain during a water break gasping for air and standing in line behind Senior Jim Medill. I asked him if football practice was ever like this and he replied "not even close." Playing for Coach McDonald was one of the most memorable and special experiences of my youth. We all knew we were...

About 6-7 years ago my wife and I were spending some time at my sister and brother in law´s condo at Litchfield by the Sea (Pawleys Island). Picked up Jimmy Klein in Hilton Head and headed down to Hilton Head to see our dear friend and mentor Jim McDonald. Coach thought we were coming the next day so he was in his pajamas. I told him practice was in an hour so he better get ready and quick. We had a great 3 hour plus lunch telling stories. He remembered details of all the games and...

Coach McDonald was a wonderful and supportive friend to Rod and me. We enjoyed our visits with him in SC. He ran a tight ship at Kent State, and his teams were well coached and disciplined, and he left a legacy that the Kent community respected.

Coach MAC was my coach at OHHS in 1960 and 1961 his first job coaching. He helped me become a better player and taught me important life lessons. He was one of the three to four more influential people in my life particularly in my formative years. It was incredibly powerful for me to reconnect with him in our twilight years. I will miss him! Doug Smith

Coach will be sorely missed and never forgotten. At Ottawa Hills High School, Jim was my drivers' education instructor and basketball coach. Thereafter he was my mentor and friend. I was fortunate to visit with him only three weeks ago. Bless Jim McDonald.

Thanks Coach "Mac" for turning around the Kent State basketball, you where the best to work with and a true gentlemen