James Daniel "Danny" McDonald

TEXAS CITY - James Daniel "Danny" McDonald passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday morning, December 24, 2025, at his home in Texas City, surrounded by his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Danny was born on October 3, 1943, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. He was a country boy at heart, and though cowboy hats, boots, and blue jeans were a must, it is now time the cowboy rides away.

He was a veteran and served in the United States Navy from August 1961 to November 1964. He worked various jobs in Texas before landing his final job at Amoco Oil in Texas City in 1967. He began working in the warehouse, where he was promoted to supervisor. As a supervisor, he was recognized for maintaining an exceptional safety record and was awarded “IDEAS in Action” in safety protocol. He made many friends, enjoyed bowling with his “Devils Den” team, and playing softball on the Amoco team. After 32 years, he retired in 1999.

Danny lived most of his life in Santa Fe. He had many hobbies and interests. His interests included but were not limited to woodworking, hunting, and working on cars. He loved to restore guns and pool sticks.

After retirement, Danny met his wife, Donna Sue. They lived life to the fullest and shared many friends together. They danced, sang karaoke, played in a pool league, and enjoyed running pool tournaments at the local bars. They were also members of the FOE Aerie 3789. They attended church with Pastor Charlie Rollo, and Danny was baptized at Murphy’s on 6.

Danny had a big heart with a quiet way of caring for all he met. He loved deeply with a strength that remained steady through the worst of times and a laughter that resounded in the best of times. His love never waivered and he never gave up on folks. He kept his faith in God and loved to pass out prayer cards “Cross in my Pocket” to anyone who he felt needed or wanted to hear the word. Danny was the kind of friend a friend would like to have.

He was preceded in death by his father, Neal Franklin McDonald, and his mother, Oleta Ruth (Coppedge) McDonald, both originally from Sulphur Springs, Texas.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Donna McDonald of 22 years. They shared their life in Texas City, Texas. He leaves behind his children, Rhonda (McDonald) Moore and husband, Chad, Deidre (McDonald) Allen and husband, Mike, Mac Shannon McDonald, Karen McDonald, Brandi Briggs, Toni Basaldu; grandchildren, Matthew Daniel McDonald, Kayla (Gehret) Whitley and husband, Brett, Carlee Stemm, Johnathan Elliott, Jasey McDonald, Kelsie Elliott, Kirsten Kemp, Kalob Briggs, Kyrah Briggs; great grandchildren, Haven Stiger and Hollis James, Aiden Kimes, Fe Diaz, Paciano Diaz and Ava Diaz, Ka’Laniee Allen; sister, Deborah Cade; brother, Michael McDonald; numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Danny’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Murphy’s on 6 in Santa Fe, Texas.

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