Jack M. McDonald

Jack M. McDonald of Millersville (most recently of Gambrills), passed away peacefully at his home on December 22, 2024. He was born in Pennsylvania on May 1, 1936, to the late Martin Luther and Dorothy Evelyn McDonald. Jack grew up in the Harrisburg area, where he graduated from William Penn High School in 1954. He then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lebanon Valley College, after which, he honorably served on active duty in the United States Army. Jack was also a member of the Pennsylvania Masons, Huguenot Lodge No. 377 in Kutztown, PA since 1966. Jack moved from Reading, PA to Maryland in 1967 with his wife, Jan, and built a successful sales career in the flooring industry.

Jack’s passion for singing developed in church choirs, and later expanded to a fulfilling vocalist position in the chorale arts organization Encore Creativity for Older Adults. While singing with Encore, he was honored to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He also sang with a local traveling musical group, WitnesSing, formed through Jenkins Memorial Church in Pasadena. With this group, he helped bring uplifting music to numerous churches, organizations, and venues across Maryland.

In addition to his passion for singing, Jack volunteered for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to those in need. He also volunteered for Partners in Care, providing transportation and comfort for older adults.

When Jack wasn’t working, singing, or volunteering, he loved to travel and attend Southern Gospel concerts with his late wife and soulmate, Jan. He also enjoyed watching the Orioles, Ravens, and Westerns in his spare time.

Jack is survived by his beloved children, Beth Thompson (fiancé Kurt) and Shawn McDonald (children Christopher and Megan); his nephews Eric Noll (wife Georgiana and daughters Alexandra and Meredith) and Douglas Noll (wife Tamiko and son Wilson). His wife, Jan, sister, Mary, brother-in-law, Clair Noll, and sister-in-law, Jeanne, preceded him in death. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 20, at 12:00 pm, at Pasadena Assembly of God, 206 Pleasantview Avenue, Pasadena; reception to immediately follow.