James L. "Jim" McDonald, formerly of Cherokee and Iowa City, Iowa, died August 4, 2015, at River Hills Village in Keokuk, Iowa.

Jim was born to Lew and Olive McDonald on September 10, 1925, in Cherokee, Iowa. He graduated from Cherokee High School in 1943, and on September 10, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was deployed to Europe. He was eventually assigned to the 80th Division of the Third Army, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in France in December of 1944 and January of 1945.

After World War II, he returned to Iowa, and graduated from the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa College of Law.

On August 15, 1949, Jim married Margaret Hunget in Indianola, Iowa, and after he graduated from law school, Jim and Margaret made their home in Cherokee, Iowa, where Jim practiced law from 1951 to 1985. He was elected Cherokee County Attorney in 1952, and served through 1982. He was a past president of the Iowa County Attorney's Association.

In April of 1985, Jim was appointed to serve as an Iowa District Court Judge for the 3rd Judicial District, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1994.

In 1994, Jim and Margaret built a home in Iowa City, and enjoyed their retirement there.

Jim was a member of the Iowa State Bar Association, the University of Iowa Alumni Association, the I-Club, and the First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City. He was an avid Hawkeye sports fan, and a patron of the arts in Iowa City. Jim and Margaret were active in Republican politics, and enjoyed the friendships they made in Iowa City while carrying the GOP banner.

Jim will be best remembered as a pianist, and many social, family, and political functions eventually wound up with Jim at the piano and the gang gathered around singing.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, on October 4, 2011, after which he moved to Keokuk, Iowa, to be closer to his family.

Jim is survived by his son, Bruce (Judy) McDonald of Keokuk, Iowa, and his daughters, Molly McDonald of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Amy Morrison of New York City. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Matthew Morrison of New York City, James and Molly McDonald of Keokuk, Iowa, and Julie (Zach) Brooks of Lexington, Kentucky. The latest addition to Jim's family was his great granddaughter, Kate Cameron Brooks.

Jim was also preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Helen and Bill.

Jim's brother, John "Bode" (Patricia) McDonald, of Columbus, Ohio, survives.

Jim's generosity, kindness, and sense of humor served as an inspiration to all he touched.

Jim's family is deeply grateful to the staff and residents of River Hills Village for the wonderful experiences and the care he received during the last three years of his journey. Any memorials may be made to River Hills Village.

A memorial service will be held at the Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cherokee, Iowa, on Wednesday, August 12, at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Cris Decious will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery at Cherokee, Iowa with military rites by L.A. Wescott Post #2253 of the V.F.W. The Boothby Funeral Home in Cherokee, Iowa is assisting the family with the local arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com