James Edward (Jim) McDonald, 83, of Clinton, MS, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 7, 2024. He was born in Newton, MS, on October 1, 1940, to James Thurman McDonald and Corinne Fontaine McDonald. He grew up in Philadelphia, MS, where he graduated from East Neshoba High School and met and married his wife of almost 62 years, Jean Welch McDonald.

Jim received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University. His career as a Senior Research Civil Engineer in the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, Engineer Research and Development Center (formerly the Waterways Experiment Station), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, MS spanned from 1961 to 2003. He received numerous accolades during his career including Superior Civilian Service Medals in 2002 and 2003 and was inducted into the WES Gallery of Distinguished Civilian Employees in 2005. As a result of his expertise, he prepared official Corps guidance, letters, and manuals in addition to publishing numerous technical papers. He was a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) and served as Chairman of numerous committees in each. As a charter member of ICRI, he served as President, was named Honorary Member in 2012, received the ICRI Distinguished Service Award in 2016 and the first-ever President's Award in 2019.

Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church in Clinton. He loved all things Mississippi State but especially enjoyed following the football and baseball teams, traveling, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Jared Allen Thames, and his son-in-law, Kevin Randyll Thames. He is survived by his wife, Jean Welch McDonald, daughter Julie McDonald Thames, son James Edward (Jim) McDonald Jr. (Ann), five grandchildren: Conner Benjamin Thames, Tyler James Thames (Katie), Anna Kathryn Thames Smith (Dillon), Carlee McDonald Soignier (Tyler), Camryn Welch McDonald, his great granddaughter, Anne Charlotte Soignier, and his sisters, Vivian McDonald Gray and Becky McDonald Moore.

Services will be held at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton, Mississippi, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at noon.