James William Mcdonald

James W. McDonald, age 82 of Belle Plaine, died on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church in Belle Plaine. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Jessenland with Military Honors. James was born on April 18, 1928 to Eugene and Kathryn (Moore) McDonald in Washington Lake Township, Sibley Co., MN. James grew up in Faxon Township and attended country schools. He attended Belle Plaine High School where he was active in many activities and sports, including being honored as an All-State football player. After graduating from high school in 1946, he worked on the family farm in Faxon Township. He served in the U.S. Army in the mid-1950s and continued working on the family farm when he returned home. He married Deanna McSorley on August 12, 1967 in Eau Claire, WI at St. James the Greater Church. James and Deanna operated their family farm until retiring in 1999 and moving to Belle Plaine. James remained active after retirement by doing volunteer work at the Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine. He is a past member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Belle Plaine V.F.W. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Mary Huss and Rita Marston. He is survived by his wife Deanna, of Belle Plaine, MN; Sons, Scott of Henderson, MN, Kirby (Leigh) of Dresser, WI, Jason (Colleen) McDonald of Shakopee, MN; Four grandchildren, Adam, Grace, Quinn and Bryce and many nieces and nephews.