James McDonald

James McDonald obituary

James McDonald

James McDonald Obituary

Visit the Relyea Funeral Chapel website to view the full obituary.
James "Jim" McDonald, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and world-class jokester, passed away peacefully on September 11th, 2025 surrounded by his family. He is leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and an unwavering devotion to the Green Bay Packers and Boise State football (in that order, but don't tell Boise).

Born with a quick wit and a heart full of gold, Jim never met a stranger-just future friends he hadn't told a joke to yet.

Jim's passion for football was second only to the love he had for his family. He could recite Packers stats from memory, explain the genius of Boise State's trick plays with the enthusiasm of a coach.

He is survived by his two adoring daughters Briana (Scott) Grabow and Andrea Walser. His brother Robert (Sheila) McDonald, Five grandchildren- Hailey (Cody) Harris, Britney McDonald, Austin (Rachael) Boyd, Breydon (Danielle) Lewis and Madison Aron who inherited his sense of humor (sorry, world), and six great-grandchildren- Treyson, Titus, Taytum, Khalani, Brielle and Amaya who kept his heart young. Each of them carry a piece of his generous spirit, his playful grin, and possibly a few of his "dad jokes," which will live on eternally whether they like it or not.

Jim taught us that laughter is medicine, football is religion, and that unconditional love means showing up-rain, shine, or overtime. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless jokes, and the very clear instruction: "Don't cry too much. Unless the Packers lose. Then it's okay."

He will be missed more than words can express, but we take comfort in knowing he's somewhere up there, calling plays with Lombardi, cracking jokes with St. Peter, and wearing green and gold every Sunday, we are thankful he made it through until the very end of his last Packers game with a win.

Rest easy, Jim. GO PACK GO.
Relyea Funeral Chapel

318 N. Latah St., Boise, ID 83706

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