A mass of Christian burial was celebrated July 21 at St. Nicholas Church for James C. McDonald, 84, retired from the Jersey City Police Department. He passed away on July 17. A lifelong resident of Jersey City, James served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, attaining the rank of corporal as an Air Patrolman. James joined the Jersey City Police Department and served Jersey City for 31 years, 20 of them assigned to the Emergency Service Unit, receiving numerous commendations and awards. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling and babysitting his two grandsons. He was very artistic, painting pictures and making lead soldiers. James was an avid reader of all types of history and could explain, in detail, any battle or war from the Roman Empire to the Vietnam War.
James was predeceased by his wife, Pauline A. McDonald and brothers Frank and Alphonse Pagano. He is survived by his sons, James J. McDonald and his wife Laura, of Williamsburg, Va., and William F. McDonald and his fiancee, Judith, of Jersey City and grandsons, Sean Patrick and Ryan James of North Arlington. James is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Services arranged by the McLaughlin Funeral Home, Jersey City.