Obituary of James 'Jimmy' Kenneth McDonald

 

JAMES ‘JIMMY’ KENNETH McDONALD

October 16, 1948 – January 26, 2021

 

With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Jim McDonald on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Jim leaves his wife, ‘other half’ and the other piece of his jigsaw puzzle, Maureen Kenny, daughters Tania Kenny and Jesse McDonald (Wylie), sisters Teresa Edward (Charlie), Anna McMillan (Keith, deceased), Maggie Bello (Nate) and Helen McDonald, as well as so many others he met and loved along the way.

 

Jim was a truly lovely, brilliant and incredible person to all who knew him. He approached life with sincere integrity, kindness and generosity and was a truly ethical man. A true advocate of social justice and allyship, Jim practiced law in Toronto for over 40 years. Jim was a true leader at his firm (Goldblatt Partners) and was a highly respected member of the broader legal community. He was a sounding board for senior lawyers, the go-to person for many, and his mentorship was legendary. In the fall of 2019, Jim was awarded the Ontario Bar Association’s Randall Echlin Mentorship Award by his peers. Jim loved his work, and the community it brought, and although Jim announced his intention to retire in 2019, he continued working until the day he died.

 

Jim was a man for traditions and loved his monthly Gourmet Club meetings, his Tuesday night hockey gang, and the yearly canoe trips (involving monthly ‘planning sessions’ at the Pilot) with his Voyageurs. For over 40 years, Jim looked forward to ‘seeing the guys’ at these regular activities, and their families were his families. Jim got a laugh or a story out of every game, dinner, or witty email exchange and his love for these communities will forever be felt and carried on.

 

Jim moved into the Riverdale community more than 40 years ago. From serving as the convener of kids’ baseball games every Sunday, to his nightly walks with his dog Rufus for 17 years, Jim's humility, decency and genuine interest in the lives of his neighbours made Jim a staple in the community. As a new reality set in this last year, Jim found solace in the nightly street pot banging and the opportunity to sing loudly with his friends. 

 

Anyone who knew Jim knew the deep love and pride he had for his family. Jim was an amazing husband, brother and father. A teacher, a coach, a chauffeur, and shoulder to cry on, Jim was relied on so heavily for knowledge, advice and unmatched humour. Jim’s love for hockey extended to his children, and he became a passionate supporter of women’s hockey – as father, coach, spectator and fan. Jim also recently took on the role of ‘bonus grandparent’ to Charlie with such love and enthusiasm. Jim valued his family above all else and instilled in his girls so much love and protection as well as such a strong sense of fairness and equality.

 

Anyone who knew Jim knew his great love and respect for Maureen. Maureen taught Jim to love and to live and he was so grateful. Beginning with an impromptu trip across Africa, Jim spent almost 40 years following Maureen around the world – getting her lost and keeping her laughing the whole time. Their love was special and will always be something to aspire to and emulate.

 

Jim always felt so lucky in his life, but we truly were the lucky ones.

 

Thank you to everyone who has reached out already, we are so grateful and feel the love from the condolences we have received. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hockey Canada Assist Fund (https://assistfund.hockeycanadafoundation.ca/en/index.html) or the Couchiching Conservancy (http://couchichingconserv.ca/donate/) in memory of Jim. For all who knew Jim, hockey and the respect for the natural environment truly were two of his favourite things. 

 

Jim’s last conversation was about the latest Jays trade, so they better make him proud this season.