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James McDonald Obituary

Rev. James B. McDonald, age 74, of New Lenox passed away peacefully April 21, 2023. Born June 4, 1948 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Beloved husband of Rev. Greta McDonald (nee Schumm); loving father of Danica (David) Johnson and Colin (Lauren) McDonald; proud grandfather of Kellen Johnson, Bryce Johnson, Ainsley Johnson, and Louise McDonald. Preceded in death by his parents Lillian (nee Hoover) and William McDonald; and brother William McDonald. Jim was ordained in the United Church of Canada in 1976; then transferred to the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church and served 41 years as pastor of United Methodist Churches in Hanover, Libertyville, New Lenox, and Downers Grove. Visitation Sunday April 30, 2023, from 2 – 6 PM at Vandenberg Funeral Home, 19604 Wolf Rd, Mokena, IL 60448. Lying In State Monday at United Methodist Church of New Lenox, 339 W Haven Ave, New Lenox, IL 60451 from 10 AM until time of Funeral Service 11 AM. Interment St John Cemetery in Mokena. Arrangements entrusted to Hickey Memorial Chapel. For more information and online register please visit www.hickeyfuneral.com or call (815) 485-8697.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for James McDonald

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5 Entries

Jason Wales

August 14, 2023

Jim was a wonderful man who Baptised 3 of my children and was there for me when my father passed providing the funeral service. He was witty and had a quick smile. He seemed in his element providing personal guidance and in a small setting and I remember him enjoying small interactions immensely. You will always be remembered brother. So mote it be.

Shelly Zabielski

May 12, 2023

Our family is grateful that Jim and Greta were present for us in our time of loss. Wishing you peace.

David and Vera Miller

April 30, 2023

Our deep sympathies on the passing of Pastor Jim. At Downers Grove FUMC he carried out his calling with great joy and enthusiasm. To me he embodied the best of what the Methodist church can do and be for the community, teaching acceptance, caring for the less fortunate, and practicing radical kindness. We especially appreciated his leadership in protecting God's Creation, our amazing planet. His example will live on.

Jim Rendel

April 26, 2023

So sad and sorry to learn of his passing. I can't express how much we of our now closed Faith UMC-Lisle appreciate and respect the McDonalds, their ministries, witnesses and hearts, since knowing them in our NIC Aurora District. From sitting with them at events to having them graciously fill our pulpit, their service and dedication to the Lord's Kingdom Work were always evident. As a lay servant and former lay leader, I continue to be blessed by them personally as mentors and models of mission and stewardship.
On behalf of Faith, please accept our deepest sympathies and gratitude to Greta and the family, for sharing such a wonderful man of God with us. Celebrate and enjoy his great legacy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

Most Grateful Blessings in the Lord,

Jim Rendel, Lisle

Raina Gallt

April 24, 2023

My sincere condolences. I was just reflecting on a Bible study class led by Jim this morning and shortly after, learned he had passed into the arms of Jesus.
I´m sure his legacy will live on in the lives he inspired. Raina Gallt

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Memorial Events
for James McDonald

Apr

30

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Vandenberg Funeral Home - Mokena

19604 Wolf Rd

May

1

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

United Methodist Church of New Lenox

339 New Lenox Rd

May

1

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

United Methodist Church of New Lenox

339 New Lenox Rd

May

1

Interment

12:30 p.m.

St John Cemetery

-

Funeral services provided by:

Hickey Memorial Chapels - New Lenox

2100 Calistoga Dr, New Lenox, IL 60451

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