Jack Ujean McDonald

Jack Ujean McDonald was born on April 1, 1950 to George McDonald and Lila Groat McDonald in Detroit, Michigan. One of twelve children, Jack was the seventh son of seven boys.  Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Fred, Carl and Bill, his sister Dorothy and his daughter, Jenny.

Jack, an Army veteran who served during the Viet Nam era, was proud of his Michigan roots, a lifelong fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions and especially his beloved Red Wings and University of Michigan Wolverines. Nicknamed “Smilin’ Jack” by many, he was a larger than life presence with a zest for life and an infectious smile.  Despite a disability that kept him in constant pain, Jack maintained a sunny disposition, a positive attitude and a determination to live life to its fullest.

Jack is survived by his wife, Mari McDonald, his children: son Steve McDonald and his children Tara, Trent and Joel; son Dan McDonald and wife Jun, their children Ian, Hanako and Hiromichi; daughter Kristen McDonald Fountaine and her daughters, Haley, Madison and Giana; daughter Theresa Claiborne and her partner Lyle Durbin, daughter Emma Claiborne and her partner, Blake Scheuermann; ex-wife and lifelong friend, Lynne Falardeau Shooter; brothers, Babe, Bob and Ross; sisters Barb, Edie, Marie and Katy; mother-in-law Rose Vasquez; sister-in-law Roberta Vasquez and her daughter, Juliet. Jack also leaves behind thousands of lives touched by his kindness and generosity.

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