Jack McDonald
Chattanooga civic and business leader John “Jack” McDonald died Saturday at 83.
He was born on April 15, 1934 to Dorcas Anne McDonald of Chattanooga and John Robert Harrison McDonald of Glasgow, Scotland. At six years old, he came to the United States with his mother and siblings to escape the escalating world war sweeping across Europe. As peace returned, the family was reunited in the United States and, though he would return to Scotland for many happy visits, Chattanooga became their home.
He attended the McCallie School and Culver Academy before earning his degree at Emory University and seeking further education at the London School of Economics. A successful career in business, as a financial advisor, and entrepreneurship as the founder of Green Acres of America allowed Jack to pursue a lifelong commitment to philanthropy and contributions to his community.
He was heavily involved in politics as the chairman of the Young Republicans in the 1970’s and was also a candidate for United States Congress. Throughout his life, he continued to support and campaign for candidates both locally and nationally.
In more recent times, Mr. McDonald became heavily involved in multiple civic projects and improvement initiatives to revitalize the Tennessee River waterfront and transform Chattanooga into the Scenic City it is today. He served on many boards including Friends of the Festival, the Moccasin Bend Task Force, the River Gorge Trust, and Mark Making.
He is survived by his wife, Alex McDonald, children Frances McDonald, Rob McDonald, Adam Smartt (Michelle Aylesworth), Anna Smartt Higdon (Dustin Higdon), and his sister, Dorcas McDonald.
A reception of friends and family will take place at Wann Funeral Home on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a graveside service immediately following at Forest Hills Cemetery at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests gifts in his honor be made to the Tennessee Aquarium and Mark Making.
Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 4000 Tennessee Ave.