Rev. James McDonald Jr.

On Friday, April 22, 2022, with his family by his side, Reverend James McDonald Jr. peacefully departed this earthly world and went on to glory in Heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Reverend James McDonald Jr. was known by many as “Jimmy” or “Jim”. Jimmy was born on September 5,1941 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Jimmy was raised by his mother Evelyn Owens and Charles Owens, who Jimmy affectionately called “Daddy O”.

Jimmy attended the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Following high school, Jimmy joined the United States Army where he was decorated as a Sharpshooter. During his tenure, he was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He received an honorable discharge for time served. Jimmy worked many jobs until he obtained his Associate Degree in respiratory therapy at Community College of Allegheny County. He found his career passion as a licensed respiratory therapist where he worked in multiple health care systems. 

While Jimmy was in the military, he met Lillian C. Lucas through a mutual friend, and they later married in 1963. They were married for 59 years. From their union, they were blessed with 3 children: James Douglas, Angela Marie, and Bryan Matthew.

Jimmy accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. In his later years, he rededicated his life to the Lord and was very active in the church serving the Lord where called. He became an ordained Minister after attending Greater Works Bible School and earning his bachelor’s degree in Theology at Geneva College. He then went on to became Pastor of First Baptist Church of Braddock Hills (retired in 2015). He then became an active member of South Hills Baptist Church where he continued to preach the Word of God when called. He also shared the Gospel with anyone he came in contact during his walk of life. He was a true steward of the Lord.

Jimmy loved his family and friends. He was the oldest of 10 children where the value of family was rooted.  He would answer any call no matter the time of day. He instilled in his children and was an example to his grandchildren on the importance of faith, family and love.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Owens; father, James McDonald; sister, Laura Hughes, and brothers, William McDonald and Dennis McDonald.  

Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory: wife: Lillian; father, Charles Owens; Children: James Douglas McDonald (Susan),Angela Marie Thompson (David), Bryan Matthew McDonald (Tamara); Grandchildren: Carlo (Christina), Kendra, Felicia(William III), Kori, Taelor, Cameron (Bruna), and Dominic; Step-granddaughter: Nicole; 2 great-grandchildren: Caiden and Carlo Jr.; Brothers: Richard, Craig, Charles Jr. Keith; Sisters: Debra (Fred) and Josephine (Gordon); Brother-in-law: Chester Lucas Jr.(Carla); Sisters-in-law: Lois Reed and Shirley Lucas; Aunt: Diane Hunt (Rev. Norman) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

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