Thomas James McDonald

1929 - 2024

Thomas James McDonald, age 94, of Charlottesville, Virginia passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Born March 2, 1929, to John Sanford McDonald and Edith James McDonald in Sioux City, Iowa. Upon graduation from High School, he sailed for three years on petroleum takers for Standard Oil of California. In 1951, he was called to Active Duty with the Iowa Air National Guard. He later transferred to the United States Army and served in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He was assigned to Graves Registration Co. and served as a member of a Search and Recovery Team. Their function was to investigate air crashes and recover the remains of the personnel killed. Their major function was to search for the MIAs. In 1958, he graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering. He accepted employment with Allis-Chambers in West Allis Wisconsin. He spent two years on a graduate Engineering Training Course. In 1961, he joined Bechtel Power Corp. in Gaithersburg, Maryland where he served until his retirement in 1989.

While with Bechtel, he was involved with the design and construction of fossil-fired and nuclear power plants. He served for five years as the Chief Mechanical Engineer for Bechtel's Eastern Power Division.

He married Nancy Faye Norman in 1955. Tom and Nancy had four daughters. Nancy passed away in 1988.

Tom married Patricia M. Myers in May 1989. Tom and Patricia enjoyed many years of traveling, playing golf, and enjoying University of Virginia sports. They attended many football, basketball, and baseball games.

Tom was a jogger and no matter where he was in Charlottesville or New York City, he would enjoy his morning jog.

Tom was a member of Meadows Presbyterian Church of Charlottesville.

In addition to Patricia, Tom is survived by his four daughters: Sarah M. Shutz of Greenbelt, MD, Leanne J. Rouser of Redwood City, California, Diane J. Gibson of Mt. Airy Maryland, & Marilyn J. Chalkley of Frederick, MD. There are a total of 10 Grandchildren & 6 Step Grandchildren.

There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. at Monticello Memory Gardens, 670 Thomas Jefferson Parkway Charlottesville VA 22902 on Saturday, April 6th.