JOHN V. "JACK" MCDONALD was born 25 October 1923 in Columbus. Ohio. He attended parochial grade schools both there and in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and graduated from Campion Jesuit High School in 1941. He attended Marquette University and Xavier University. While attending Xavier he enlisted in the Enlisted Reserve Corps program on 15 December 1942 and was called to active duty in June 1943. After completing basic training in artillery at Fort Sill, he was selected to go to Amherst College on an Army appointment. Although he did not join that first group going to West Point, his determination to go was rewarded by an appointment for the next entering class. He entered the Academy in July 1945.

Jack graduated in June 1949 and shortly after married Linita Margaret Menzner. Their marriage was blessed and by 4 February 1956 they had four children: Kathryn M.; John V. Jr.; Sharon M.; and Philip T.

Jack and Nita's first wedding aniversary was 25 June 1950, the day the Korean War began. Jack arrived in Korea in August 1950 and was assigned to the 99th Field Artillery Battalion of the First Cavalry Regiment. Later he was brought back to Battalion Headquarters as Reconnaissance and Survey Officer and then served as Assistant S-3. He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals for Valor and was promoted to captain on 17 September 1951. He returned to the US in December 1951 and was assigned as Assistant S-3 of the 130th Field Artillery group and then Assistant G-3 of the post at Camp McCoy in Sparta, Wisconsin. Later he was Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, where he resigned his commission in December 1953.

Jack then joined the Chippewa Shoe Company in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He attended Marquette University to study Business Administration and spent six weeks with the United Shoe Machinery Corporation studying footwear manufacturing. During his early years with the company he was sales and advertising manager and later he became the vice-president. Upon the death of his father in 1961, he became president. During his 15 years of leadership,  sales quintupled and employment tripled. He obtained one of the first industrial bond issues in the state of Wisconsin and built a modern 90,000 square-foot plant. He was one of the first in the shoe industry to computerize his firm and was an invited speaker on the use of the computer in the footwear industry.

Jack was active with the American Footwear Industries Association, serving as vice-president and director. He was also chairman of its National Affairs Committee, considering the implications of imports on the American economy in general and the footwear industry in particular.

Jack always felt that executives should be involved in their communities and showed he meant it by being involved in the funding and building of an Elks Lodge, a parochial high school, a hospital and a chemical dependency unit. Until he left Chippewa Falls in 1979, he was the only president of the St. Joseph's Hospital Advisory Council. He was also chairman of the United Fund, Director of the local Chamber of Commerce and a state president of the Wisconsin Elks Association. He was involved in many other business and philanthropic organizations and was called on for leadership positions in all of them. Jack was installed as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre in April 1976. Membership in this Catholic order is the highest papal honor which can be conferred on laity in the church.

Jack retired from the Chippewa Shoe Company in December 1976 and moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin in 1979. While in Brookfield, Jack became involved with his parish and grade school. He enjoyed golf, bridge and frequent visits with his children who by now had grandchildren. Jack and Nita traveled extensively and their last trip was a memorable five weeks in Germany and the Balkans. They returned home on 18 October 1990. On 18 December Jack underwent hip surgery and bone cancer was detected. He died at his home on 31 January 1991 of acute leukemia.

While in the hospital lack prepared the liturgy for his funeral. He requested the West Point "Alma Mater" be played in lieu of a homily at his funeral mass and selected "The Corps" as the recessional hymn.

Jack was truly a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He instilled self confidence in his children and was proud of their achievements.

Linita M. and John V. McDonald