James Macdonald

James Irwin MacDonald, age 70, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at St. Vincent Medical Center.

He was born in Erie on March 31, 1945, son of Mildred Stancliff MacDonald and the late Francis G. MacDonald.

James graduated from McDowell High School Class of 1963 and went on to serve in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War.

He worked for General Electric for 35 years in electrical maintenance and served as a union steward.

Jim enjoyed old cars, bowling with his brothers on the Brothers Bowling League and loved NHRA drag racing. He was a patriot thru and thru, who loved camping and his camping friends and absolutely loved spending time with his grandkids.

He was a member of the Siebenbuerger Club and the VFW Post #470.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother Dennis; a nephew, Steven; sister and brother in Law, Franny and Nick; and brother in law, Larry.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of over 44 years, Alice J. Offenberg MacDonald who he married on October 23, 1970; a daughter Shannon Adams and her fiancé Aaron Guarino, Richard Adams Jr., four grandchildren, Jacob, Jonathan, Brittney and Ethan. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Bretz, brothers Glen (Maureen) MacDonald, Robert (Barb) MacDonald, and Richard (Jackie) MacDonald; his sister’s in law, Dottie and Virginia MacDonald and “adopted” children, Eric and Charlie. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, and cousins and Jim’s absolute best friend and fishing buddy, “Ike”.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Wednesday at 10 a.m.at the Burton Westlake All Faiths Chapel with burial along with full military honors to follow at Erie County Memorial Gardens.