James F. McDonald

James F. McDonald, 66 of rural Streator passed away Thursday morning (August 2^nd) at Heritage Health, Streator.

A visitation will be held Sunday from 3 – 5 PM at the Winterrowd Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held Sunday at 5 PM at the funeral home with military honors being conducted by members of the Marseilles American Legion and VFW.  Cremation rites will follow services and burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park at a later date.

Jim was born on October 29, 1951 in Clinton to Henry and Evelyn (Winstead) McDonald.  He married Roberta Rogers on March 11, 1972.  She survives.

Also surviving are sons Arthur (Ann) Ellliott of Oglesby, Joseph L (Niki) McDonald of Algoma, WI, Rodney A (Catherine) McDonald of Streator, Lacinda Flori of Ottawa and foster daughter Sandra Winstead of Streator, 28 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, brothers Tom McDonald of Litchfield, Joe McDonald of Litchfield, Henry McDonald of Litchfield and Rick McDonald of Honeybend, step-brother Chuck Brennan of Leonore and step-sister Renee Bachman of Grand Ridge.

He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father Peter Brennan, son James R. McDonald and a sister Lena Bunch.

Jim attended Tonica Grade School and graduated from Tonica High School. 

Jim served in the US Army from Oct. 19, 1968 to Feb. 19, 1973 during Vietnam.  He was a proud member of the 101^st Airborne Division and Combat Veteran.  Jim serves two tours of duty in the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Sergeant.  Jim was the Recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal.  Jim’s other significant military awards include:  The Combat Infantry Badge, Army Parachutist Wings, The Air Assault Badge, The Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Medal, The Army Good Conduct Medal, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Vietnam Campaign Medal with 3 campaign stars and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Jim was passionate about helping fellow veterans.  He was a peer group leader for years at the LaSalle VA Clinic for Veterans with PTSD.  Jim positively impacted many lives by his presence and his empathetic way of reaching out to people.  He was devoted to working on veteran service projects and visiting Veterans in need.  He was a Brother to all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

Jim was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign War Post 5506 in Marseilles.

Military Honors will be rendered by the Marseilles Honor Guard and Marseilles Color Guard along with the many LaSalle County Veterans Jim knew.

Jim retired as a truck driver from Midwest Coast Transport.

Memorials may be made to the Dusty Roads Foundation.