Mr. James J. “Joe” McDonald, 81, of Galesburg, Illinois formerly of Peoria went on to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with his loving daughters by his side.
Joe was born on Christmas of 1942 in New Port, Arkansas, the son of Jesse and Jessie Mae (Dothard) McDonald. He married the love of his life Johnnie Mae Gordon on December 1, 1963, in Peoria. From this union were born three daughters, Tammie, Kimberly and Lisa.
Joe is survived by his two daughters, Rev. Tammie M (James) Miller, Rev. Kimberly A. (Calvin) Bonds both of Galesburg; his twin brother, Jimmy McDonald, and his other brother, Jesse McDonald both of Peoria; his three sisters, Delia McDonald of Peoria, Evette Brown of Dallas, Texas and Janice Lindsay of Peoria; seven grandchildren, James McDonald, DeMarcus Haynes, Blair Haynes, Virginia Miller, Sherilynn Riggs, Mattison M. and Kymorrah A. Jackson and seven great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Lisa L. Jackson, in 2013, two brothers, Troy Battles and Manuel Brown and his two sisters, Juanita Williams and Velma Mills.
Joe was raised in New Port, Arkansas and attended schools in Pine Bluff. Joe had a love for cooking which stemmed from his first job as a young boy as a chef for Carson Pirie Scott and Company in Peoria. James later went to work for Caterpillar, Inc. for over 30 years, retiring in 2003. He was a member of the Peter H. Clark Elks Lodge in Peoria. His favorite pastimes were time spent on the golf course, dancing and bowling. But Joe’s ultimate favorite was spending time with his family, cooking a meal or simply being together. Joe was devoted member of the New Morning Star Church in Peoria and most recently the Second Baptist Church.
Visitation for Joe will be held from 10:00-11:00 am Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Second Baptist Church. Services will follow at 11:00 am at the church, with both of his daughters officiating. Rev. Tammie M. Miller and Rev. Kimberly A. Bonds. The burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to the Second Baptist Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
