Obituaries

James F. Donaldson, Jr., 63

April 18, 2017

James F. Donaldson, Jr., 63, of Lancaster, died at home on April 18, 2017. Jim was a true, old school audiophile and collector of fine electronics who loved music and appreciated the sound of vinyl records, especially anything by the Rolling Stones. He was also a football fan who never missed a game with his favorite team, the Oakland Raiders. Many friends will fondly remember Jim as a fixture in the cabana club at the Host on Keller Ave. in the 70s and 80s, walking down the Lititz Pike with zinc oxide on his nose. If he could leave us with anything, perhaps it would be these lyrics by the Stones: “I have my freedom but I don’t have much time. Faith has been broken, tears must be cried. Let’s do some living after we die.”
Born in Lancaster, Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Dorothy (Klemer) Donaldson. He was a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School and worked at Armstrong World Industries for over 20 years.
Jim is survived by a sister, Theresa, wife of Bob Chambers, Florida; and two brothers, Tom Donaldson, husband of Eileen, and Joe Donaldson, husband of Kim, all of Lancaster; as well as nieces and nephews, Blake, Caeli, and Max Donaldson; Sheila Lange; and Rebecca Myers.
There will be a graveside service at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, PA, at 1:30 pm on Saturday, May 20, 2017. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601. Note that it is for the Aevidum Club, in Jim Donaldson’s memory.

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Condolences to the Family

October 10, 2018

Joe,
     Very sad and surprised to hear of Jim’s passing.  We were classmates together at Catholic but didn’t really know him very well since we were both quiet guys.  I caught up with him years later when I worked the Post Office window and he would tell me his health problems.  This was unexpected.  I hoped your family is doing well. 
                             Joe Segrp

June 28, 2017

I was shocked and saddened to read this.  Jim (bimbo) was my best friend for many years.  We worked summer jobs together (got fired from a few) and lived our lives at the Host and Hullabaloo (spelling?).  We shared many highs and some lows.  Jim and I were soulmates.  We lost touch when I left the Lancaster area to pursue my career but I’ll never forget seeing Jim at my father’s funeral some years ago.  Jim cherished his freedom, had a gentle soul and huge heart.  He may not have been a scholar but he was one of the wisest people I ever met.  I’ve missed Jim over the years and I’m so sorry to hear of his death.  David Robbins

June 01, 2017

Tom- so sorry to hear the news of Jim’s passing. I’ve known him since First grade through HS and in recent years at SJN Church. He was always the nicest guy. 
Kevin McCaskey

May 22, 2017

Tommy and Family
 
I am so sorry that I was not aware of Jimmy’s passing.  I think of I have a ton of memories from the Host with Jimbo.  The funniest, to me, when he asked me to trim his hair and I think I cut 4 inches off.  He was not amused at all.  But, he was my second big brother, next to David, and he forgave me.(I think)
My sincere condolences,
Lisa Robbins

May 20, 2017

I will remember and miss my good friend Jimmy.  From the days of St. Annes baseball to the fun at the Host.  God Bless 
Bob Wagner and Family

May 17, 2017

Tommy, Joe & Lisa, 
So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Memories of good times past will always remain; and hopefully comfort you now and in the future. You are in my thoughts and prayers, Billy Chalfant

May 16, 2017

My condolences to Jim’s family. Jim and I were classmates at Catholic High. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Thomas M. Heisler III

May 15, 2017

What a sweet remembrance of your dear brother and uncle. So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. xox Jeff, Barb, Grace, Hope & Nora Wahlbrink and Millie Forrey

May 15, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about Jim. We were classmates at St Anne and Catholic High. I remember him at the Host also. My thoughts are with the family.    Marina Suraci-Sinopoli

May 08, 2017

To the Donalson family,
I am so sorry for your too early loss of Jim.  He was always so kind to me at LCHS. 
Sincerely,
Mary Lynn Hobday DiPaolo

April 29, 2017

To the Donaldson Family, 
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of Jim. We remember Jim from    sporting events for you Tommy!  And when the us boys would come to pick you up to go to the Host!! Of course you can’t forget Jim walking anywhere with his white nose in the summertime!  I know you will miss him. Love John & Helen Yeager

April 27, 2017

So sad for your loss. Brings memories of the Glenmore Circle days. May you find comfort and peace with love that surrounds you.
Barb Weems Herr

April 27, 2017

My condolences to the family.Farewell Friend.
 
Roosevelt McFadden Jr

April 25, 2017

Jim was a kind and generous man. We knew Jim through St. John Neumann Church where he was an usher. He couldn’t wait until football season, a big Oakland Raiders fan. We shared a love of rock and roll music and we couldn’t believe he gave us a collection of cds which we will always cherish. We would see him at Savemart or Stauffers, pulling up in his big black Cadillac, which he really enjoyed. We were very saddend to hear of his death in church on Sunday when we were asked to pray for him. Our deepest sympathy to all of his family.
Susan and Bernard Krutsick

April 25, 2017

We will miss Jim alot. We will miss his stories and his facial expressions of them. What a funny guy who always loved to help people. Jim was a caring soul to all that knew him. Jim was always the first one to have a get together with the boys during a sporting event. He loved to watch the big screen and listen to his music. Jim was always making cds for all his friends, and for this we will cherish the cds he made for us. Jim will be with us forever in our hearts. We loved you Jim Donaldson, may you rest in peace.
                                        With Love, Robert & Terry Nolt

Services
Saturday, May 20, 2017
1:30 PM
St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery
170 Charles Road
Lancaster, PA
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