James Timothy "Jim" McDonald, age 62, of Eau Claire, passed away Saturday, January 26, 2019, at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire. Jim was born June 8th, 1956, in Beaver Dam, WI, to James R. and Ellen J. (Hoppa) McDonald. He grew up in Randolph, WI, with his two brothers and two sisters. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Etta J. Westra on May 7th, 1977. Jim and Etta raised two children, Bryon and Britta. They moved from Randolph to Eau Claire in 1992, where Jim worked selling insurance for Rural Insurance Company. In 1999, Jim was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. He battled PKD for years until qualifying for a kidney transplant from his wife, Etta. On February 28, 2008, Etta gave Jim one of her kidneys, which helped him live happily for another decade. Jim and Etta were planning to take a trip to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon at the end of February to celebrate their 11 year "Kidneyversary". Jim and Etta also enjoyed participating in the Transplant Games of America where they met many lifelong friends. Jim became a grandpa on September 16th, 2005 to Lily Etta Curler, and again October 26th, 2011 to Aaron James McDonald. Jim enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren every chance that he had. Jim and Etta joined the Hallie Optimist Club to help children. They participated in as many events, meetings, and seminars as they possibly could. He looked forward to his Tuesday morning breakfasts and Thursday evening meetings with the club. Jim served as the Hallie Optimist President from 2017-2018. Jim was an avid Packer fan that lived for football season. Every year he would set days aside to watch the NFL draft. Jim was always ready with kind words or a joke on hand for anybody he met. He was a great friend to everyone, and the best husband, father, and grandfather ever. A special thank you to the Sacred Heart Hospital ER, Cath lab, ICU, Pastoral Care and PACU (Cheryl and Tina for staying until the rest of the family came), Dr. Dodin, Dr. Kidess, Dr. Sabbaugh, Dr. Klugge, Dr. Atkins and all of the excellent staff at Eau Claire Medical, Eau Claire Anesthesia, and Sacred Heart Hospital for immediate and past care of our Jimmy. Jim is survived by his wife, Etta McDonald; son, Bryon McDonald; daughter, Britta (Jason) Soronen; grandchildren, Lily Curler and Aaron McDonald; sisters, Linda Calica and Helen (John) Christenson; brothers, Pete (Brenda) McDonald and Jack (Ellie) McDonald; and many other loving family members. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James and Ellen McDonald; father and mother-in-law, Herman and June Westra; nephews, Tim Westra and Mike McDonald; brother, Michael McDonald; and brother-in-law, Roman 'Cal' Calica. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church, 2112 Rudolph Rd, Eau Claire, with Pastor Kathryn Reid Walker officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting his family. To express online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com

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