James Loren Mcdonald

James Loren Mcdonald passed away on November 30, 2020 in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He lost his 3 year battle with Mesothelioma.

Jim was born December 20, 1947, in Porterville, to his parents Loren James and Betty Ruth Mcdonald. He was a lifelong resident except for his military service in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Porterville High School in 1966.

He married his wife of more than 52 years, Brenda Kaye Booth, on June 16, 1968. They raised their daughters, Karie Mcdonald Boudreaux and Lauren Mcdonald Ford, in Porterville.

Jim’s business career began in 1975 when he took over ownership of Jones Furniture from his grandfather, Donald Jones. He and Brenda eventually owned two locations, Porterville and Exeter.

In 1987 he landed the job of his dreams as the Airport Operations Manager for the City of Porterville. He held this position proudly for more than 30 years.

Jim enjoyed the time he spent at the family back country property located in Pecks Canyon. He entertained all who were there with his harmonica and stories. He was the camp clown as well as the camp cook. Anyone who was fortunate enough to partake in his back country cuisine was blessed.

Jim has three grandsons whom he loves dearly. Christian James Boudreaux, Carsen Joseph Boudreaux and Zackery James Ziebell. He especially enjoyed sharing with them his love of aviation and took them each flying in his beloved 1946 Aeronca Champ.

Along with his wife, daughters and grandsons, he is survived by his sons in law, Chris Boudreaux and Don Ford, His brother, Mark Mcdonald and wife Rosemary, sisters Joanne Laubacher and husband Greg, Melinda Mcdonald and husband Richard Adler, Chrystie Carpenter and husband Ken, brother in law, Leonard Booth and wife Gail, sisters in law, Donna Booth, Linda Migalski and husband Chuck as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim loved and was loved by so many and we are going to miss him dearly.

A public celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.