James M. McDonald, age 66 of Franklin, died peacefully at his home on November 18, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children. Jim was the husband of Lisa M. (Wenzel) McDonald.
Born in Brockton October 23, 1958 he was the son of the late Edward and Gloria (Carlson) McDonald. He was a 1976 graduate of Brockton High School and earned his bachelor’s in Business Administration from Northeastern in 1981.
Growing up one of six children, Jim was a devoted family man - raising three kids of his own. While he built his dream home in Franklin, he always maintained a close connection to Brockton and visited his mom whenever he could.
He looked forward to packing up the van for summer vacations on Cape Cod, ski trips to Bretton Woods, off-season visits to Martha's Vineyard, and get-togethers at the family cottage in Wareham.
Jim was soft spoken but was known for his quick wit. He was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots. He was also a talented handyman, and loved loading up his pick-up truck to do projects around the house. Every year he would get excited for the holidays - and especially looked forward to picking out the 12-foot-tall family Christmas tree.
Jim was a Certified Public Accountant, and worked at Needel, Welch and Stone and Safety 1st. As CFO of Henley Enterprises, he helped grow Valvoline Instant Oil Change into a successful franchise in New England and beyond. He also served as treasurer for the Franklin Gridiron Club.
Jim is survived by his three children, Joseph McDonald and his wife Lucy of Brockton, Margaret McDonald of Watertown, Daniel McDonald and his wife Hannah of Norwood; his siblings Susan McDonald of Dennisport, Judy Rockett and her husband Fred of Kingston, Walter McDonald and his wife Demetra of Middleboro, Kristine McDonald Jampel and her husband Michael of Vineyard Haven and Thomas McDonald and his partner, Edmund Gonzales of Santa Fe, New Mexico; five brothers and sisters-in-law; and 25 nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass on Saturday, November 23 at St. Mary's Church, One Church Square in Franklin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Medway.
Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin , 131 Main Street in Franklin ginleyfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to Brigham and Women’s Hospital - Development Office, 263 Huntington Avenue, #318, Boston, MA 02115-4506.