Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Joseph James McDonald (James Joseph on some records), known as Jim or Mac, was born 26 March 1894 to James ('Old Mac', 'J Mac') and Bridget McDonald (nee Kane). 

Jim was the eldest of the four sons McDonald. They were well known as a pioneer family of the Atherton Tablelands. Though they were orphaned by 1914, the McDonald's loved the tablelands and it was where Jim chose to raise his three children with wife Vanda. Keeping their property here long after they had relocated to Townsville. 

Jim was a veteran of the Great War (fighting at Gallipoli and on the Western Front) and was a passionate advocate for veterans. He was president of the 15th Battalion's Angels' Remember Club, a founding member of the Returned Sailor's & Soldier's Imperial League (RSSILA) the forerunner to the RSL, for which he was a life member and country vice-president. He took pride in his service, a familiar and enduring presence of the ANZAC Day parades in Brisbane, and nurtured life long friendships with those with whom he had served and their families. 

Jim possessed boundless enthusiasm for improving the lives of others, a cause to which he dedicated his life. This was reflected in  his work with organisations such as the Country Party, the Queensland Bush Children's Health Scheme, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and RSL. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1962 for his community services and aid to ex-servicemen. 

Despite lifelong injuries obtained during the Great War, and the tragic loss of his son-in-law and eldest son during the Second World War, Jim never faltered in his loyalty and belief in service.