Obituary James V. "Jimmy" McDonald August 30, 1951-January 1, 2024 James Vincent McDonald passed from his earthly journey to new life in the early morning hours of New Year's Day, January 1, 2024. A proud native of Dallas, James-known to family and friends as Jimmy-was a devoted member of First Baptist Church. Throughout his childhood and adolescence he was involved in an array of activities. As a member of "Royal Ambassadors" a youth group for boys at First Baptist, he played basketball, often in the expansive gym of the downtown church where his entire family was involved. James was also an enthusiastic Boy Scout. But the greatest commitment of his early years was as a member of the First Baptist youth choir, called the Chapel Choir, 150 teenagers singing the great anthems of their faith, as well as some of America's most beloved patriotic songs. In 1967 the choir toured the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada, including Vancouver and the glorious mountain majesties of British Columbia, with its legendary Lake Louise. The following year the choir toured Europe: England, including a concert at London's Royal Albert Hall; France; Germany, including Berlin at the peak of the Cold War; Austria; Switzerland; and Italy. James had taken a special interest in sound technology and joined the team amplifying the voices of the choir as they proclaimed the gospel abroad. His love of travel was born there. In the years that followed, he asked any friend planning a vacation to send him a postcard to add to his collection. After graduation from North Dallas High School, where he participated in athletics and specialized in shot put, James volunteered for the US Marine Corps. This was during the height of the Vietnam War, and he felt called to serve his country. Subsequently he worked for two decades for Sears Roebuck's Dallas operation. On Sundays he would take his place at one of the admissions gates of Texas Stadium for Dallas Cowboys games. He was a passionate fan, never missing a game, whether in-person or on television or radio. His command of sports trivia was well known. And he kept up with current events and engaged his curiosity in the world around him. And throughout, he was a devoted follower of his Lord and Savior. James was predeceased by his parents, Rex and Ella McDonald, and his nephew, William McDonald. He is survived by his sisters, Ann McDonald and Maureen McDonald, both residents of Dallas. A commemorative gathering is set for Saturday, March 16, 4pm, at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Those in attendance are encouraged to continue the time of fellowship, and a tribute to Jimmy's love of Mexican food, at Ojeda's restaurant, just minutes away at 4617 Maple Avenue. One of the songs sung by the Chapel Choir was a favorite of James. It cites the prayer of St. Francis, which begins by asking, "Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace," and ends with these words: For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. It is in dying that we are born to eternal life To view James remembrance page please follow link: https://my.gather.app/remember/james-mcdonald-2024