James Robert McDonald

James Robert McDonald, 78, of Bellefontaine, Ohio passed away Friday morning, November 26, 2021, at Hospice of Dayton surrounded by his family.

Jim was born in Bellefontaine March 8, 1943, to the late Robert Dally and Joy Elizabeth (Thompson) McDonald.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra L. (MacGillivray) McDonald, whom he married July 27, 1991; children: Mickie Murray, Robert “Dal” (Kim) McDonald, and Jena McDonald; step-sons: Christopher (Nellie) Schmidt, Patrick (Lauren) Schmidt, and Lance (Andrea) Schmidt; 14 grandchildren: Spencer Murray, Jake Kennedy, D.J. McDonald, Mia McDonald, Drew Erwin, Aubrie Erwin, Evie, Zuri, Ella, Addie, Luke, Vivienne, Henrik, and Isla Schmidt; a sister, Janice McDonald and nephews Chris (Kelly) Leasure and Dusty Leasure.

A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Jim was a teacher for Bellefontaine City Schools and retired in 2001.  “Coach Mac” was a cornerstone of Chieftain wrestling for nearly 30 years and is the namesake of the “Jimmy Mac” Team Wrestling Tournament.  He was honored to be inducted into the Greater Miami Valley Wrestling Association Hall of Fame.  In his spare time, Jim loved to fish and always looked forward to the annual trips to Canada fishing with his buddies.  He enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids in their sporting events.  Jim also volunteered his time helping with Meals-On-Wheels for many years.  In his younger years, he built the Dairy Queen at Russells Point.  While spending time in Florida, he helped train dolphins .

Friends may call Tuesday, November 30, 2021, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Bellefontaine and Wednesday, December 1, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Pastor Matt Sandlin will officiate Jim’s funeral service Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  The family asks that you be symptom free and consider wearing a mask.

Burial will be in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.

The staff of the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Bellefontaine is honored to serve the McDonald family.

E.T.