James Brent McDonald, 73, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2016 due to complications of dementia. He was born on July 2, 1943 in Nampa, Idaho to Glen and Elizabeth McDonald. The third of four sons, Brent, as he was known, spent nearly all of his life in Nampa. He received his schooling at Kenwood and Lincoln Elementary Schools, West Junior High, and graduated from Nampa High School in 1961. He earned his Eagle Scout and served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Florida. Brent attended Ricks College and Idaho State University, where he earned a BA in Education (History Emphasis) in August 1968. Upon graduating from ISU, Brent worked as a librarian at the "old" West Junior High in Nampa. In 1970, through the recommendation of Nampa Asst. Superintendent Wesley Steck, Brent became the director of the Southwest Idaho Migrant Education Resource Center (MERC), a federally-funded program based out of the Nampa School District office. In June 1976, he graduated from Utah State University with a MA in Education (Instructional Media). For 17 years he directed the MERC, putting on workshops and conferences, developing curriculum and teaching aides, and supporting summer educational programs. The position afforded him the opportunity to travel and work with national education leaders, design and create award-winning parade floats, and to serve in leadership positions with the Nampa National Education Association. During this time, Brent developed many lifelong friends amongst his fellow educators. When the MERC ceased operation in 1987, Brent returned to the classroom, teaching history at West Junior High in Nampa, before finishing his career as a librarian/media specialist at Caldwell High School. At CHS, he taught Broadcasting & Media Production/Cougar News, assisted in designing the library for the new high school, and mentored many students. He also fulfilled a lifelong dream of "coaching" football, working on the varsity staff of Coach Bill Cooper. After 37 years in education, Brent retired in 2005. He continued his videography business, Rainwater Productions, documenting life events for clients until 2010. Brent was an avid reader of history and current affairs, a collector of mementos, a documentarian, a connoisseur of music, a critic of the cinema, a lover of food, and vocally passionate about politics. His work office and home studio showcased all his many interests, particularly athletics. Brent loved attending football games of his Boise State Broncos and Caldwell High Cougars. Spending time with family and friends, particularly on road trips, provided him immense pleasure. In his later years, he became interested in writing and compiled a book of short stories about his family and friends. Brent was an active member of the LDS Church, enjoying his time as Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Ward Mission Leader, and on the Nampa Stake High Council. He treasured working with Roger Kotter in 2005 to record video oral histories of LDS members to document the history of the Church in Nampa. He married his wife Nancy Clark McDonald on June 26, 1965 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Together, they raised their children on 11th Avenue in Nampa, where they were fortunate to have his parents residing next door. He is survived by his wife Nancy, their six children: Shelley Thomas (Shannon) of Nampa; Stacy Hamilton (Troy) of Boise; Dylan McDonald (Melisa) of Sacramento, CA; Cade McDonald of Boise; Brady McDonald (Mindy) of Burley; and Maren Luekenga (T.J.) of St. George, UT; 12 grandchildren; his brothers: Jay McDonald (Darla) of Saratoga Springs, UT; Kim McDonald of Nampa; and Scott McDonald (Nanette) of Nampa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Brent cared deeply for his family, friends, and community. A people-person at heart and nostalgic to the core, he enjoyed getting to know everyone and loved a good story, usually told over a shared meal. His willingness to open his home up to all created a space of acceptance and love. Brent's definition of family extended beyond blood relations and he imagined heaven to be a never-ending family reunion. The McDonald family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff at the Family Life Memory Care and Signature Hospice for their loving support and specialized care provided to Brent during his final years. A viewing will be held on Friday evening, August 12, at Zeyer Funeral Chapel (83 N Midland Blvd, Nampa, 467-7300) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, August 13, at the Nampa 11th Ward LDS Chapel (121 N Canyon, Nampa) at 10 a.m. A viewing will also proceed the funeral service from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens (15862 S Indiana Ave, Caldwell). All family and friends are welcome. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Caldwell High School Library Fund c/o Caldwell School District, Attn Yvonne McKee, 1502 Fillmore St, Caldwell, ID 83605. Donations should be payable to the Caldwell School District. Service: Saturday, August 13, 2016 10:00 a.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 121 North Canyon Nampa, Idaho Visitation: Friday, August 12, 2016 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. And at the Church Saturday, August 13 From 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Prior to the Services Zeyer Funeral Chapel 83 N Midland Blvd Nampa, Idaho
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