Obituary of James McDonald

MCDONALD James.

It is with great sadness that the family of Jim McDonald (1935-2024) of Englee, NL announce his peaceful passing on September 15, 2024 in Corner Brook, NL at 89 years of age.

He leaves behind his loving children, David, Phyllis (Gary), Lois, & Vicki (Dave) and cherished grandchildren Melissa, Nicholas, Joshua, Maggie, Matthew, Hannah, Gabriel, Jacob, Sorcha, and Clara. He also is survived by  his beloved sisters, Mary, in Corner Brook, and Bonnie, in Vancouver, and many extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his  wife Georgina, his parents Bernard and Margaret and eight siblings.

Jim was a loving and kind father, husband and friend, a devoted leader in his community, and his church, as well as a respected businessman and employer. 

Dad was born in Canada Harbour, NL, on the Great Northern Peninsula. He moved to Englee when he was little, and it’s there that he raised a family,  and lived and worked for almost all of his life.

He loved the water and the woods, loved fishing, picking berries, camping, chopping wood, and having a garden. He was a killer crib player, enjoyed watching hockey, baseball and anything to do with geography and history. His fish cakes were the best.

Jim carried on his family's legacy, managing John Reeves Limited; the fish merchants in the area, and an institution since 1870. His passion was the Salt Fish Plant. He was very proud of the quality of fish that came out of our little town, and was shipped all over the world. He served on many boards and groups , as well as a loyal member of the Catholic Church, and worked tirelessly toward the improvement of our community. He was proud of  the hard working and resilient people, of his beloved town, and felt blessed to call such a beautiful place, home.

The family would like to especially thank all the staff at Corner Brook Long Term Care, Western Regional Hospital, and West Mount Estates in Corner Brook for the exceptional and compassionate care provided to him.

Messages of condolences may be forwarded to loismcdonaldm@gmail.com to be read at the service or shared with the family.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to anyone and everyone who has delivered food, offered condolences, and whom may have helped in any way.

Please join in celebrating his life with us in Englee if you can:

Thursday, Sept 19, visitation at the Roman Catholic church from 6-9 pm.

Friday, Sept 20 visitation at the Roman Catholic church 1-4 pm.

Friday, Sept 20, wake/celebration of life at Englee Firehall, starts 6:30 pm.

Saturday, Sept 21, Funeral and then cemetery visit  11 am at Roman Catholic Church.

Saturday, Sept 21, Reception at HG Fillier Academy gym starts at 12:30 pm.