James McDonald

James M. McDonald III (Jim), 76, of Wickenburg, Arizona, passed away in the comfort of his home, and surrounded by family, on April 25th, 2020.Jim was born in Cortland, NY and grew up in Hastings, NE. As a teenager, he was a rather rambunctious child, and was sent (justifiably) to Northwestern Military Academy. After graduating from there, he then moved on to attend the University of Arizona. He served our country as an officer in the U.S. Army from '67 to '70 which included a tour in Vietnam with the 119th Aviation Company (Gunship Pilot) where he went by "Mac". After that, he moved back to Tucson, AZ where he worked and raised his family before finally settling in Wickenburg in 2006.Jim worked in commercial real estate in Tucson, but his passion was always cutting horses (It's not worth sitting on a horse unless there was a cow in front of it). He loved horses, in particular, quarter horses which he bred, raised and trained. He was a successful competitor in the cutting horse circuit winning, among others, the Pacific Coast National Cutting Championship (for "mature" horses) in 1977. His favorite horse was his bred and raised Rip's Sports Model, who won many championships, and sired many great cutting and barrel racing horses. He loved to fish and go camping with his family. He was a devoted Arizona sports fan - his favorite team being the University of Arizona basketball team. He also loved spending time with his friends at the American Legion, where you often found him every afternoons.He knew a lot but didn't need you to know that. He had a great sense of humor but kept it to himself more than not. He cared deeply for his friends and family. Jim is survived by his wife Katherine of 39 years, sons James IV, Todd, Stephen and Andrew, and many grandchildren. Jim was a loving father, husband and grandfather.A memorial is being planned for Jim, in the fall. Date still to be determined, hopefully once all the craziness in the world has settled down.