McDonald Sr., James Lewyn

James Lewyn McDonald Sr., of Blacksburg, Va., died on Monday, December 20, 2010, in Blacksburg. He was born on the farm, “Green Hill,” on September 3, 1929, to James Richard and Ruth Anna Reynolds McDonald. He attended Blacksburg Elementary and High School and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1950. He was a ROTC member of the Corps of Cadets. He was called into service during the Korean War where he earned the rank of First Lieutenant. After his military service, he was employed by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service as a County Agent for Tazewell County. While serving in this capacity for his entire 33 year career, he met and married Martha Ann Bowen, his wife for 54 years. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church of Tazewell, Blacksburg United Methodist Church, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, NARFE, Lions Club and American Legion. At his retirement, he was honored by the people of Tazewell County with a scholarship at Virginia Tech in his name. He declared that he wanted the scholarship to go to a student from Tazewell County studying agriculture. After moving back to Blacksburg he continued working at the family farm now known as McDonald Farms where he enjoyed raising seedstock cattle and other livestock. Many a college and high school student enjoyed working and learning from him about practical farming practices. He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant son, Richard Taylor McDonald. He is survived by his wife, Martha B. McDonald; sons, James L. Jr. and wife, Brenda, and William H. and wife, Teresa. Also surviving are grandchildren, Matthew Trent McDonald, Ashlyn Grace McDonald and Joseph Randolph McDonald. Also surviving are special cousins, Rosemary Green and husband, Ron Heath, Tom B. and Jane Green; brothers-in-law, Meek Hoge Bowen Jr. and wife, and Jimmie, William Crockett Bowen and wife, Betty, and sisters-in-law, Lucy Litton, and Maria Carter and husband, Jack Carter. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be conducted 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2010, in the Blacksburg United Methodist Church with the Rev. Reggie Tuck officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 931, Blacksburg, Va. 24060. Burial will be private. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va., 540-552-3211.