James Michael McDonald (“Mike”)

Mike passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 20th, 2024 at the Virginia Mason hospital in Seattle, WA surrounded by family and friends.

Mike was born January 12th, 1949 in Calgary, AB. He moved to Harrison, Idaho at the age of 11 with his parents Frank and Mabel “Amie” and his brother Ron to work on a dude ranch. Mike grew up in the horse industry. When they moved to Ritzville, WA the family began their race horse training business. As a teenager, Mike trained and jockeyed many horses with many wins. During his high school years, Mike and his parents moved to Kennewick, WA where he continued to train race horses and jockeyed.  With his love for horses, later in life he did team roping and raised barrel racing horses for several years.

He loved rodeo and watching about every rodeo on TV.  He was very close to his family, spending every minute he could with them. Mike had many friends who really loved and cared about him. Mike was a loving Husband, Father, Grandpa and Great Grandpa and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife Lila, son Chad (wife Tami), daughter Keri, brothers Ron (wife Judy) and Rick, and stepsons Craig (wife Katie) and Chris. Plus his grandchildren Klay, Kord, Chance, Teneille (husband Tyler), Maddie, Matt, and great grandchildren Keirsly, Kase, Kolt, Bentleigh, Alaina, and Rorie.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Mabel “Amie”, sister Maureen, brothers Bernie, Pete, and Dennis.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.