Dixon- James McDonald 61, passed away from multiple health conditions at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center on December 23, 2020 in Missoula Montana. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Jimmy was born February 27, 1959 to Francis and Julia McDonald in St Ignatius Montana.

Attending schools in the St Ignatius and Dixon area he eventually made it to boarding school in Salem Oregon, graduating at Chemuwa Indian School in 1977. While attending Salish Kootenai College he earned a certificate in heavy equipment operations and building trades.

Jimmy mostly worked in the great outdoors. He worked in the Flathead post and pole yard in Dixon Agency and for the tribal forestry program, he cut posts and poles, firewood and Christmas trees. He also did some thinning and planting trees. He worked for division of fire as a camp crew personnel. While working construction, he helped with the repairing of the dam at McDonald Lake and helped build the tribal nursery by DOF.

He will be well remembered by his silly antics and making everyone laugh. Jim impacted all of our lives in one way or another. He was especially fond of all his nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents Francis and Julia McDonald, Brother Francis Jr. (Fuss), sisters Donna Granrud and Judy Matt.

Survived by his daughter Felicia Pichette and granddaughter Savion Pichette of Welpinit Washington. Ramah McDonald-Vulles and grandchildren Chandron and Memphis Vulles of Superior, Montana. Siblings Carol McDonald and Julie McDonald of Charlo Montana, Allen McDonald of Pablo Montana, Raymond McDonald of Dixon Montana, and Rusty Fristo of Missoula Montana.

Arrangements are under Foster Funeral Home in St Ignatius, Montana.