JAMES IRVING "PAW PAW" MCDONALD

James Irving "Paw Paw" McDonald, of Pleasant Grove , formerly of Wylam, Al passed from this earthly plane to be with our heavenly savior, Jesus Christ on February 22. 2025. He was so special to many and to know him was to love him. Paw Paw was a devoted Christian who was a faithful member of Cottage Hills for decades of his life. He was also devoted to his wife and children, then his grandchildren became the loves of his life. even more so when his great grandkids came along. He loved hearing stories of their exploits. His many friends were also important to him and he touched their lives in many ways. He loved Alabama football and eating. His favorite was Anne's fried chicken with fried corn, and fried green maters fresh from his garden whose bounty he shared with many. He also loved to BBQ for the family. In his later years he looked forward to coffee and sharing Cheez-its. His love for the country came through in his pride of his service on a Destroyer in the U S Navy from 1953-56. He was a hard worker throughout his life. After the Navy he worked at Hayes Aircraft in Birmingham, worked as a dog catcher for Birmingham, repaired TV's and ended up retiring from the post Office where he delivered mail in Wylam, Bluff Park and Pleasant Grove. In retirement he did plumbing work and sold firewood to stay busy when he wasn't tending his garden. He will be missed by friends and family who can draw comfort in knowing he is united with our heavenly Father and all those who have preceded him. Those who preceded him in death were his father Alexander McDonald, mother Mary Browne Fredrick McDonald; his brothers Robert McDonald, Dave McDonald and George McDonald; sisters Margaret Trammell and Ellen McDonald; wife of 50 years Elizabeth "Ann" McDonald, his second wife Martha Ann McDonald; sons Timothy "Tim" McDonald, and granddaughter Faith Morgan Earley. He is survived by his daughters Debbie Earley (Morgan), Mary Elliot, Patrick "Patch" McDonald (Radell): grandchildren , Brad Williams, Stanley Elliot (Jamie), Aaron Powell (Kathy), Lacey Hearn (Hunter), Chris Elliot, Brittany McDonald, Mason McDonald, Noah Earley, Aiden Earley; and 15 great-grandchildren. The visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery. The family would also like to thank Regency Memory Care for the wonderful care he received while living there. He resided there from June 2022 until his passing where he had many friends on the staff and his fellow residents. While all the staff was loving and took excellent care of "Jim", we would especially like to thank CW, Corine, Rachael, Rochelle, and Chip.

JAMES IRVING "PAW PAW" MCDONALD

February 22, 2025