James Martin MacDonald

James Martin MacDonald—known to most as Jim—was a man who filled every room with warmth, wit, and unwavering love. Born on August 24, 1961, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jim carried his midwestern-kindness with him everywhere he went. A military brat, Jim spent his childhood in several states. He went on to earn degrees in Architecture and Mechanical Engineering from Thames Valley Technical College. God’s plan placed Jim in many leadership roles that spanned across many states. In 2019, God planted Jim in Tennessee.

God called Jim home on February 18, 2025, in Nashville. This came suddenly and unexpected to those he left behind. However, Jim trusted God’s plan, and answered the call with unwavering faith and joy. He was a devoted husband of 39 years to his best friend and love of his life, Debra MacDonald. Together, they built not just a home, but a family filled with laughter, loyalty, and countless inside jokes.

Jim is celebrating in Heaven with his mom, Evie MacDonald, and mother-in-law, Anna Faiola. But left behind his beloved father, Don MacDonald, and his siblings, Kevin & Jackie MacDonald, Karen MacDonald, and Corey & Brenda MacDonald.

To his children—Daniel & Kelly MacDonald, Samantha MacDonald, Jenn & Luke Warner, and Scott & Andria MacDonald—he was more than a father. He was a mentor, a protector and the ultimate role model. Jim was the kind of dad who never missed his kids’ phone calls, always had a solution for a stubborn household project and could turn the most ordinary moments into something special. He was a constant presence for his family, offering wisdom, strength and support in all moments, big and small. His greatest joy, however, was being “Grandpa Jim” to Kelsi, Mason, Grayson, Milo, Kaylei, Remy, August and Olive. He beamed with pride at every milestone, whether it was a first step, a school achievement or simply a well-timed joke that he could brag about later.

Jim had a passion for learning, particularly American History, U.S. Constitution and God’s hand in this great nation. He was often debating the finer points of civics with anyone willing to keep up. A proud and vocal fan of THE Ohio State Buckeyes—2024 National Champions, BTW. He never missed a chance to cheer them on—loudly and enthusiastically, much to the amusement (and occasional dismay) of those around him.

Jim’s presence was a gift—his laugh, his wisdom and his steadfast love. While his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on in the lives he touched.

“For to me, To live is Christ and to die is gain”-Philippians 1:21 -Jim MacDonald

The celebration of Jim's life will take place at Long Hollow Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with visitation services scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Saturday, March 15, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will be held on March 15, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, providing an opportunity for family and friends to gather and honor the profound impact Jim had on their lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution in Jim’s honor to one of the following entities: · Patriot Academy – www.PatriotAcademy.com

· Convention of States Action – conventionofstates.com

· iGovern.us

· Long Hollow Church

· Or a charity of your heart’s choosing.

To celebrate Jim’s life, we encourage you to wear casual attire that reflects his passions: God, Country, Family and Football.