James E McDonald

James E. McDonald, 66, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2014 in a local hospital.  He was of the Methodist faith.  He retired from the U.S. Forestry Service with 37 years of service.  He was an active member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in Vietnam.

Mr. McDonald was the son of the late, Edward H. McDonald and Winnie Alice Bowie McDonald.

Survivors include his wife, Ouida McDonald of Cleveland; two children:  Rick McKay of Cleveland and Shannon Derbes and husband, Ryan Derbes of Tampa, Florida; four grandchildren:  JoLeigh Diane Derbes and Lidya Jane Derbes both of Tampa, Florida, Olivia M. McKay and Kaylee Rae McKay both of Cleveland; and one great grandson: Michael W. Lack of Helena, GA.

A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Chattanooga National Cemetery with Father Joel Huffsteter officiating. The service will conclude with military honors.

Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.