James Dan McDonald, “Jimmer”, passed away in January 2020 at the age of 66 in Helena, MT of natural causes. Jim was born on February 13th, 1953 in Helena, the first child of Charles Dan and Frances Fisher McDonald.
Jim grew up on the family ranch in Canyon Creek where he learned to drive feed truck and tractor at a young age. In his youth, Jim enjoyed fishing with friends, fixing cars, and riding his motorcycle. He graduated from Helena High School in 1971 and attended Montana State University leaving after the first quarter to help his dad on the ranch.
Jim worked on the ranch many years before leaving to drive truck, then starting his own business, McDonald Machine and Shop. Jim was known as a “jack of all trades” and was talented in many aspects of construction and mechanics. During his life Jim worked as a truck driver, mechanic, crane operator, welder, and concrete finisher.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed riding his motorcycle, exploring museums, sailing on his boat, and traveling to new places. Jim was also a talented artist and woodworker. He was passionate about family genealogy, new technology, and had an inquisitive seeking mind.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Samantha Holshue (Zach), of Canyon Creek MT; mother, Frances F. McDonald, Canyon Creek MT; sister, Mary Ann Van Dyken (Keith), Anchorage, AK; nephew, Jason Van Dyken (Crystal), Portland OR; and niece, Lindsey Chronister (Eric), Anchorage, AK. Jim also leaves behind a lifetime of close friends and extended family. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Dan McDonald, Canyon Creek, MT.
A social gathering celebrating James’ life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 8th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in the social hall, 3750 N. Montana Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Mont, 3150 Mitchell Ave. Helena, MT 59602, in memory of Jim. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of James.
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 8, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
11:00 a.m.
Saturday February 8, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Richard E. Grady says
My prayers and thoughts to James family, who have a long history of their ranching operations with my family in the Canyon Creek community northwest of helena and his many interest in the construction industry, etc over the years.
barbara nye says
Francis and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Deziah Gilliam says
Sam I am so sorry,
Please let your grandma know we send our love and prayers, and please let us know if you need anything. We are happy to help anytime
Julie Crane says
Sam, My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and the McDonald family.
deb stansberry says
My thoughts and prayers to Frances, Mary Ann and Sammy. I enjoyed listening to Jimmy’s stories, and I remember he and Rocky fishing a lot when we were kids. We all grew up together in Canyon Creek and the memories will be cherished forever……RIP Jimmy
Kori R Dee says
To the McDonald Family, Steve and I send our condolences to you. We have great admiration for the ranching families and traditions of Canyon Creek. Lifting you all up in prayer for peace as you mourn your son, father, brother, cousin.
Bill Anderson says
Sam: Your Dad was a gentle soul when I first met him. He was so talented in so many ways: art, construction, mechanics, conversation. The memory of you in your mini overalls with him in that big old flatbed of his will always stay with me. I remember the last time I saw him: fingers hooked in his pockets, slightly hunched forward, hat, slightly askew, smiling, conversant. That’s how I’ll always remember him. We are the same age and life happens, not always the way we wished. He will always be that gentle soul to me. I’m always here for you and your family if you ever need anything.
Emma Kleingartner says
We are sorry for your loss of Jim, or “Jimmer”, as we knew him. He was a great friend and help to us when he lived in ND for a few years. He joined us for our family Christmas gatherings and went on day trips with my in-laws frequently. He was a regular customer at the cafe I ran inside the local livestock auction. He often had me make a favorite recipe from his childhood, Country Pie. He would always say how grateful he was to our family, especially my in-laws, for their friendship and hospitality, but he also helped all of us in so many ways! Besides being a good friend, he was always looking for ways to help and use his many skills to improve things. He helped us put up a huge TV antenna tower, and I have beautiful stamped concrete sidewalks that I will always remember him by. He gave my little sister a sewing machine, and I remember him telling how he sewed fabric onto caps for his fellow construction workers to keep the sun off their necks. He also had many humorous stories regarding all the places he had worked. I learned a lot from him while he did projects for us; he was a kind and patient man and liked to share his wealth of knowledge. I’ll never forget our last visit with him, the summer of 2018 at his camper near St Mary. We had a nice visit and saw a sow grizzly roaming around. We will miss Jim and always think of him when we travel to Montana.
Bonnie Hromidko says
My thoughts and prayers are go out to your family. So sorry for your loss. RIP Jim.
Dale and Sue Van Dyken says
Our deepest sympathies to all the family. May God give you peace and comfort in the loss of Jim. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Lovely says
Mary Ann and Family I’m so sorry to here of Jim’s passing. He was a thoughtful and creative man. He will be missed.
Judith Anne Vincent says
Mary Ann, Samantha and France,
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.. I haven’t seen him in years. I remember him driving that great big huge truck and little Samantha
trying to see out the window.. They showed up at the ranch one day. Jimmy said to my Dad…. George my Dad told me that you needed a little help I brought the back hoe to help us out. The next thing I new we we out in the swamp digging a drain ditch. Jim was pretty talented with that piece of equipment. Thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Frank Bordewick says
I’ll miss you Jim. A lot of great memories over the years. From all the auctions we attended to the equipment we wrenched on together. You were a talented man, from building a chest of drawers for me to machine work. You were one of my best friends and I hope you find peace wherever you are.
Hank McClain says
Jim was a life long friend to me. We had many adventures together when we were younger. I think Jim could build anything. He was gifted. He was a kind and generous man. I will miss him. I am sorry to have learned of his passing too late to attend the social. I offer condolences to his family.
Ed and Raven Smith says
Francis, Mary Ann, Sam and families, we are so sorry for your loss. We remember Jimmy when he was a child and we worked with Dan in the hay fields. His service was very nice and Mary’s poem honoring his life was quite beautiful.
Edgar Bowers says
A fond memory is that Jim’s mother told me about taking Jim to Susan Eaker’s bookstore when he was a small boy. They were walking up and down the aisles when Jim remarked: Mama she has almost as many books as you have.
ROBB YOGI EKBERG says
I’m so very sorry to hear that my friend Jimmer has passed. I hope he didn’t suffer, he had enough of that in his life. I met Jimmer here in Green Bay when he bought a Ranger 33 sailboat and lived on it at the marina I was managing. Wonderful guy that had overcome so much. My deepest condolences to those who love him, it is a loss for sure.