James E Donaldson

James Edward Donaldson Jr, 84, of Mount Vernon, OH, passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home, in Mount Vernon.

Jim was born on September 2, 1941, in Columbus, OH, to James Edward and Mary Elizabeth {Elder} Donaldson.

Jim loved raising cattle and sometimes children. He worked in factories as a forklift driver through the years. He loved to gamble, and play pranks on his neighbors, like for sale signs in their yards, or red lights in some yards. He enjoyed helping anyone he could. He didn’t know a stranger and was super generous. To know him was to love him.

Jim will be deeply missed by his children, Jim L. (Tracy) Donaldson, Alice M. (Paul Evans) Donaldson, Debbie A. Layton; grandchildren Joshua, Patrick, Amanda, Colt, Clay, Johanna, Luke, Jaime, Eddie; many great-grandchildren; and his brother Dan Donaldson.

James was preceded in death by his parents, partner Nella and brother Tim Donaldson.

Funeral services will be Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Roberts Funeral Home, 18260 Coshocton Rd, Mount Vernon, OH with Chaplain Tony Laprotti officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in his honor.