John William McDonald, 80

John William (Black Mac) McDonald. Born in 1936, John passed peacefully in his home in Lake Asbury, FL, Friday morning, January 6th, 2017 with his family at his side. John is survived by his soulmate and wife, Debbie, just days shy of their 27th anniversary; daughter, Carol Jimerson (Stan) of Columbia, SC; son, Patrick of St. Augustine, FL; son, David of Tallahassee, FL; son, Trey of Jacksonville Beach, FL; and daughter, Kirsten of Green Cove Springs, FL; Grandchildren: Matthew, Pogie, Erin, Sean, Morgan, Kimberly, Ariel, Christopher, and Zach; Great-grandchildren:  Aiden, MacKenzie, James, Olivia, and Evan (Max); sister, Jeannie Hardin of Hendersonville, NC.  John is predeceased by his parents, Lester and Alice McDonald and his sister, Mary Sue Nuckolls; The family extends a special thank you to Dr. H. Page Ramezani, and Haven Hospice, especially Dr. Karenani and nurse angels, JJ and Shelia.  John also leaves behind numerous, loving relatives and friends.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in Hendersonville, NC, attended Georgia Tech, and joined the US Navy in 1956. He retired to Jacksonville, FL as a Lieutenant Commander in 1978. John was an F-8 aviator during the Vietnam era and served 8 years overseas during that time.  He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 8255.  Medals bestowed on John during his Naval career:  Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal w/One Gold Star, Air Medal Strike/Flight Twelve Awards, Navy Commendation Medal with Three Gold Stars, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/Three Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Color w/Palm), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/One Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Device (60) and Expert Pistol Shot Medal.

He had a zest for life like no other, a gruff exterior but a soft and giving heart, a grand storyteller, a flawless joke teller, king of hilarious one-liners, always the life of the party, loved to dance, and the louder the music the better. After retirement he moved to Lake Asbury where he and his family had many years of enjoyment on the lake.  John took pride, sheer delight and joy in pulling skiers, teaching new skiers, and giving thrill rides in his boat to families and friends of all ages.  He navigated anything that would go fast (his boats, cars, and Harley D’s) like he was flying his fighter jet.  He leaves all of us rich in memories.

Visitation is Friday, January 13, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Russell Haven of Rest Funeral Home, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL. John’s military funeral with full honors, officiated by longtime friend of the family, Rev. John Michael Bazzell, will immediately follow in the chapel and conclude with his burial in the Russell Haven Veterans Garden.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Haven Hospice, 741 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32065 www.HavenHospice.org

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720