Obituary of James Cameron McDonald

James McDonald went home to the Lord on Sunday, April 21st from Atlantic Shores Nursing & Rehab Center in Melbourne, Florida. He is survived by his three children, Tom, Theresa, and Bill and their spouses Dave and Jennifer, his three grandchildren, Lucy, David, and Christopher, and his sister, Helen.

On September 23, 1935, James Cameron McDonald was born the first of four children to Lora and Alice McDonald in Fort Collins, Colorado. He spent his childhood moving around the country due largely to his father’s service in the United States Army. In 1954, at the age of 18, he joined the Navy and was eventually stationed on the USS Boxer, an aircraft carrier of the post- World War II era. He did a tour in the Pacific, where his travels took him to the island nation of Japan. Upon completion of his service, he proceeded with college, and received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Colorado State University.

In 1962, he was employed by RCA and began a long career as a data analyst at Patrick Air Force Base. Shortly after, on June 16th, 1963, he married Virginia Johnson at a small church in Key West and they lived in Eau Gallie for five years. They built a house in gorgeous Melbourne Village, where they would raise 3 children and through the years adopt a number of beloved pets. He was steadfast in his role as a father, dedicated to the enrichment of his children and a strong example in the home, as the scripture states: The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him (Proverbs 20:7, KJV).

Apart from work and family duties, James would spend free time at church and doing other activities at home like yard work, listening to music, reading, and playing chess. He loved to listen to records on the stereo cabinet that included masterpieces from Wagner and Dvořák to the more contemporary Gustav Holst, and his favorite singers included Lily Pons, Dean Martin, and Johnny Cash. He was also very fond of the music from the documentary “Victory at Sea”,which stirred his passion for the sea and fascination with the naval battles of the Pacific. Perhaps his favorite genre was opera, particularly the works of Puccini, which included “Madama Butterfly” and “Turandot”. His reading list consisted of Civil War history and works by the British author Arthur Conan Doyle, best known for his stories about the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. His most beloved source of inspiration, however, was the King James Bible. It was the standard by which he was committed to loving his wife and leading his children, and being a light to those around him through his final days. James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at Community Bible Church at 91 Emerson Drive in Palm Bay on Thursday, May 2nd at 5:00 p.m. The burial will take place on Friday, May 3rd at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL at 1:30 p.m.