Obituary of James L McDonald

James L. McDonald, 81, of Middleton, passed away peacefully at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln after a long illness. He was the loving husband of 35 years of Maire (Caron) (Erb) McDonald. Born and raised in Lynn, Jim graduated from Lynn English High School, class of 1956. An honorably discharge veteran, he served in the United States Army. Jim was employed at General Electric in Lynn for 42 years and upon his retirement went to work part-time for the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home in Peabody, a job he truly treasured. He was a die-hard Patriots Fan and loved his Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed travel more than he thought he would, traveling to places like Europe, Australia, and especially Machu Picchu. Jim and Marie moved from Salem to Beverly when they united their families, subsequently moved to Peabody and settled in Middleton. His lawn was the envy of every neighborhood. One of Jim’s favorite enjoyments was spending time with his grandchildren and among his many attributes was his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and especially his loving wife Marie. Jim was predeceased by is parents, Eugene J and Florence (Bird) McDonald as well as his brother Richard McDonald and sister Barbara Gallop. Jim is survived by his daughter Sharlene Palmachuk, and his son Sean McDonald, both of Peabody, his daughter Jennifer Faragi and her husband Scott of Georgetown, his sons John Erb and his wife Amy of Beverly, and William Erb and his wife Kim, all of Beverly; his grandchildren, Jamie and Jack Palmachuk of Peabody, Nicole and Michael McDonald of Danvers, Gianna, Michael, and Madison Faragi of Georgetown, and Jake and Zachary Erb of Beverly, his brother Robert McDonald and his wife Jane Ellen of Salem, and is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Jim’s funeral will be held on Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Adelaide’s Church, Lowell St, Peabody to which relative and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to MGH Pappas Center Neuro-Oncology, 32 Fruit St, Boston, MA 01224.