James Richard McDonald, Jr.

James Richard McDonald, Jr. passed away Sunday, July 28, 2024 surrounded by his family. 

Jim was born March 30,1945 in Orlando, Florida to James R. McDonald, Sr. And Helen (Finney) McDonald. After his father’s return from World War 2 the family moved to Memphis, Tennessee where Jim spent most of his adolescence. Before graduating high school Jimmy and his family would move again to Hazen, Arkansas where he finished his schooling and found the love of his life, Brenda Hart. 

Jim and Brenda moved to Memphis, Tennessee where Jim entered Memphis State University. They started their own family with the birth of their son James Richard McDonald, III and would later welcome the birth of their daughter Karen Leigh McDonald. The young family called many places home as they grew, but eventually settled back in Hazen where their children would go on to graduate. In addition to raising two wonderful children Jim always ambitiously chased his goals in life. All those that had the fortune of meeting and knowing Jim knew that he was truly one of a kind. He was a jack of all trades and decided early in life that there were many things that he wanted to try his hand at. From salesman, wholesale minnow dealer, blackjack dealer at the casino or the local Santa Claus for annual Christmas parades he did a little of a lot of different things.

Of all his adventures Jim was most proud of the businesses he and his son Richard built in Hernando, Mississippi. For almost thirty years Jim and Richard were owners of JR’s Quickstop and Bait Shop and started Hernando Ice Company. Jim built countless relationships with families and members of the Hernando community. 

Separate from his businesses Jim was a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved his family and kept them all entertained with his humor, dry wit and storytelling which we will dearly miss.

James Richard McDonald, Jr. was preceded in death by his father, James McDonald, Sr.; his mother, Helen McDonald; sister, Mary Griffith and his grandson Joshua Wilson.

Jim left behind his wife of sixty one years, Brenda (Hart) McDonald; his son, James Richard McDonald, III of Hernando; his daughter, Karen Wilson of Stuttgart, Arkansas; five grandchildren,  Rachel Wooten, Kayla Wilson, Abby Cheek, Mac McDonald and Jared Wilson; five great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons.