James Patrick Mcdonald

James Patrick McDonald, 67, of Amarillo died Thursday November 12, 2020. No Services are Scheduled. Arrangements and cremation are by Rector Funeral Home Osage Chapel, 2800 S. Osage. James was born in Amarillo, Texas, to Oris P. and Betty McDonald on June 16, 1953. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, uncle, mentor and friend to many. The family will hold a private memorial at a later date. Jim graduated from Amarillo High School and Wayland Baptist University. During his life Jim pursued many varied career paths. He started at UPS as a car washer while in college and 17 years later had progressed to Division Manager. He left UPS to pursue his true passion, law enforcement. He spent several years with the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office, Lubbock County D.A.s office, and as Chief of Police in Shallowater, Texas. He also spent several years with Federal Express and Southeastern Freight Lines, before finally accepting a job at Northwest Texas Hospital as Chief of Security and Emergency Management. He retired from Northwest Texas Hospital in November, 2019, but he wasnt very good at retirement and had just accepted a job with the Texas Department of Public Safety where he was to have reported to work on November 16, 2020. Jim married Eva (Kathy) McKnight on May 10, 1974, in Vega, Texas, and they had 2 children, Sarah and Toby. Jim enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time with his family. Jim served as a deacon at Chaparral Hills Baptist Church. He loved the Lord, his brother deacons and church family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Barbara Sanders, a nephew, Eric Sanders and his father in law, James C. (Tex) McKnight. Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughter, Sarah Pate and husband Stephen of Conroe; his son, Toby McDonald and wife Kristina of Amarillo; 5 grandchildren, Alice, Nicholas and James Pate, and Alyssa and Layne Smart; a sister, Betty Jo Rhyne; and 2 special nieces, Kristina Hudson and Tammy Byetheway. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at Northwest Texas Hospital for their generous and loving care of Jim. Special thanks to the NWTH security team who visited and kept him company during his stay. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Chaparral Hills Baptist Church, 4000 W. Cherry, Amarillo, Texas 79108. Direct Cremation Friday, November 20, 2020