James V. McDonald, 85, a long-time resident of Ranger, lately of Azle, died on April 30, 2024.
James was born in July of 1938 in Garner, Texas to the late Albert V. and the late Hazel L. (Walden) McDonald. James began his life of serving others early, helping with the family ranch, working in the family grocery store, and as has often been reported serving as his mother’s rock and the “best big brother ever” to Bill (Nancy) McDonald (Amarillo, TX) and Kathleen (Royce) Leatherman (Garner, TX).
James attended elementary school in Garner and graduated from Millsap High School in 1955. He then earned an Associate in Arts from Weatherford College in 1957. At this time James served his country by enlisting in the Texas National Guard 49th Armored, 112 Armor Division as a Marksman. He then earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1964 and a Master of Business Administration in 1966, both from East Texas State University (Texas A&M University Commerce).
James then moved to Ranger, beginning a lifelong career at Ranger College. In the fall semester of 1966 he was the Professor of Business, but he would leave the classroom as Head of Business Offices in 1972, eventually becoming Dean of Administrative Services. Finally, he would serve Ranger College in two separate terms as Interim President prior to retiring in 2009. James served Ranger College well, spending 43 years helping thousands of students with the opportunity to further their education.
With a dedication to his adopted hometown, James served on the Ranger ISD School Board, The Ranger Chapter of Rotary International, and Ranger’s Economic Development Committee through which he was instrumental in attracting Love’s Travel Stop to Ranger. He was also a long-time member of The First Baptist Church of Ranger.
Life was far more than just his community and work, as in 1968 he married Donna Fyffe of Ranger. This marriage brought him family in Ranger, especially his brother-in-law Dixon (Michelle) McKinzie now of Springtown.
James and Donna have spent over 55 years together – having 4 homes, 3 children, 2 hometowns, and 1 lifelong love. Much missed will be his consistent refrain of “Whatever you would like, Donna.” Their children Michele McDonald (Brian Boyer) of Azle, Milissa Williams of Kansas City, MO, and Jason (Dora) McDonald of Azle grew up with the benefit of James’ service not only as a role model but also as a great vacation destination driver, willing host to gaggles of friends throughout the years, and the best shopping partner ever -as he provided the finances and acted as chief shopping bag holder. As adults Michele, Milissa, and Jason have had the benefit of a father who became a friend.
James has served as a loving grandfather to Rachyl Williams (Kansas City, MO), Christian (Katie) Williams (Atchison, KS), Ashely Williams (Kansas City, MO), Zach Whitman (Kansas City, MO), Sheby Whitman (Kansas City, MO), Ainsley McDonald-Boyer (Nashville, TN), and Kilian McDonald-Boyer (Azle, TX). The grandchildren agree that his liberal application of ice cream to any occasion will be greatly missed and carried on in his honor.
Aside from those previously mentioned, James will be missed by an abundance of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
Calling hours are Thursday, May 2 from 5-7 pm at Edward’s Funeral Home in Ranger, Texas. Services will be private graveside at Evergreen Cemetary in Ranger, Texas. Donations may be made in his name to Alzheimer’s Association.
