James Edward McDonald

James “Jimmy” Edward McDonald was born on October 1, 1941, to Curtis and Dorothy Lofton McDonald in Powhatan, Louisiana. He departed this world on January 1, 2026. His grandchildren jokingly said that Papaw Jimmy made Big Mama wait an extra day for her birthday. Those who knew him knew that he loved to pick almost as much as he loved our Mama. He was in the home that he and his wife, Kathryn “Allene”, had made together when they moved to Provencal, LA, in 1980 with their four children. 

At a young age, he was called to preach during a tent revival at Calvary Baptist Church. He said God was ready for him to preach, but he was not. Instead, he joined the Navy and left the little town of Natchitoches, LA, behind. He served proudly during the Vietnam Era. He returned home and made his Mama a promise. He promised her that he would never again go so far away that he couldn’t get home to her and his daddy. He was true to his word and never traveled outside of the United States again. However, he did travel to a little place, Singer, LA. 

While in Singer, LA, he met this girl at a skating rink. He convinced her he couldn’t skate, and she offered to teach him. From that chance encounter in a small-town skating rink, a love was born that would bloom into a marriage of over 50 years, four children, 10 grandchildren, and eventually 10 great-grandchildren. In 1983, Jimmy finally listened to God and his loving wife and accepted the call to preach. Our Mama told him, Jimmy, if you don’t follow the path God is giving you, it will destroy you and us. He was ordained to preacher in 1983 and continued to preach until he became ill in October of 2025. 

Our Daddy worked hard alongside our Mama to ensure that each of his children knew that we were loved. He taught us from a young age that our priority in life was to serve God. Daddy was a true Christian man. When you saw him, you could see God through him. During all of his years of services he never once boasted “I saved”. He would tell you that God laid on his heart the words to say that lead others to Christ. At the close of each service, with Just As I Am playing, he would say. You don’t have to come to me to be saved. If you feel God moving in your heart, find a place and stop and listen. He will move you where you need to be. 

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis & Dorothy McDonald; his wife, Kathryn Allene McDonald; his three sisters, Gladys Faye McDonald, Laverne McDonald Foster, and Lavelle McDonald Cocheran. He was also preceded in death by his granddaughter, Halie Diane McDonald, two nephews, Kenneth “Kenny” Bria and James Roy. Also well as a niece, Julia Beth Tindall. 

He is survived by his four children, James Wallace McDonald (Terri) (TX), Shelia Flores (Nick) (TX), Clyde “Eddie” McDonald (Amy), LA, and Burton Ray McDonald (Priscillia), LA. His grandchildren: Jason (Leah), Sandy (Clay), Koby (Laney), Sarah Beth (Sammy), Lise (CJ), Meghan (Britt), Angela (Keith), Raeghan, Dawn (Andrew), Kirstin (Zach), Karlie, Bryce (Kayla), Annalese, Kerstin (Hunter), Sebastian, and Nehimah. Great-grandchildren Trent, Tye, Hannah, Clay, Colt, Laney, Charlie, Josie, Lexi, Ryleigh, Sadie Clarie, KJ, Abigail, Austyn, David, Lincolon, Millie, Hallie, Weston & Aubree; a brother, Roy McDonald; and brothers-in-law, Wally Cocheran of OK and Herbert Ray Couley of LA.

Those honored to be pallbearers are his grandsons, Bryce Ray Parker, Freedman “CJ” VanHook, Zachary Wyatt, Britt Rosso, Sammy Robinson, Keith Sarpy, Sr., and Andrew Caspari. Also, his nephew Keith McDonald, who is like a son to him. If you knew our Daddy, you knew that his grandchildren were his greatest gifts until his great-grandchildren arrived. He asked that his granddaugthers and great grandchildren serve as honorary pallbearers; Sarah Beth Robinson (Laney James, Charlie Allene & Josie Lee), Kathryn Lise VanHook (Ryleigh Ann & Sadie Claire), Meghan Elizabeth Rosso (Austyn Grace & David Lane), Dawn Meshel Caspari (Amelia “Millie”, Lincoln Ray, Weston and Aubree), Raeghan Denise McDonald, Angela “Angie” Sarpy (Lexi Nicole, Keith Keoki Jr. (KJ) & Abigail Marie), Kirstin Maria Wyatt (Halie Maria), Karlie Breann McDonald and Kayla Solomon Parker. Also, Jeffery Dale McDonald, his most loved nephew.

Per his instructions, there will not be a traditional funeral. Please join us at the FBC of Provencal for a singing to celebrate his love of Jesus on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM.  Burial will follow at Oak Grove Methodist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6 pm until 9 pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Provencal Baptist Church located at 123 Maple Street in Provencal, LA.

The family would like to thank all those who helped and supported us during this time. Especially, his church families and the Hospice of Natchitoches.