James Donaldson
July 28, 2021 at 9:44 p.m.
James Donaldson
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A man of solid conviction and personal integrity, Jim was indeed the pilot of his life. With eternal optimism and sheer determination (and a wee touch of stubbornness), he stayed true to his course until the end. Jim was born on December 31, 1942 in Indianapolis to Inez Eloise (Dody) and James Lester Donaldson.
He spent his boyhood years on the Dody farm hunting, raising livestock and competing in 4-H, and developing interests in radio and electronics. He found his life passion at Miami University when he began flight lessons. He earned his private pilot license at 21, and his commercial pilot license at 23. His career as an aviator spanned 56 years and, in that time, his proudest moments were owning and operating his air charter company, AirLexCo, and mentoring students as a flight instructor.
Grandpa Jim is survived by his children, Dana (Charlie) Millard and Brad Showalter, grandchildren, Rachel (Sean), Maggie, Becca, Amanda, Nick, and Ryan, and his treasured great-grands, Eliza, Levi, Farren, and Theo.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Inez and James, sister, Betty, and uncles, Harry and Verle. Services were entrusted to Brater Winter Funeral Home (Harrison). www.braterfh.com
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A man of solid conviction and personal integrity, Jim was indeed the pilot of his life. With eternal optimism and sheer determination (and a wee touch of stubbornness), he stayed true to his course until the end. Jim was born on December 31, 1942 in Indianapolis to Inez Eloise (Dody) and James Lester Donaldson.
He spent his boyhood years on the Dody farm hunting, raising livestock and competing in 4-H, and developing interests in radio and electronics. He found his life passion at Miami University when he began flight lessons. He earned his private pilot license at 21, and his commercial pilot license at 23. His career as an aviator spanned 56 years and, in that time, his proudest moments were owning and operating his air charter company, AirLexCo, and mentoring students as a flight instructor.
Grandpa Jim is survived by his children, Dana (Charlie) Millard and Brad Showalter, grandchildren, Rachel (Sean), Maggie, Becca, Amanda, Nick, and Ryan, and his treasured great-grands, Eliza, Levi, Farren, and Theo.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Inez and James, sister, Betty, and uncles, Harry and Verle. Services were entrusted to Brater Winter Funeral Home (Harrison). www.braterfh.com
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