James Philip "Phil" McDonald

James Philip “Phil” McDonald
September 24, 1944- September 8, 2025

James Philip “Phil” McDonald, 80, of Anderson passed away following an accident on September 8, 2025 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born on September 24, 1944 in Anderson, IN to the late James Henry and Mary (Yattaw) McDonald. He graduated from Madison Heights High School in the class of 1962. He earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Ball State University in 1966.
He owned the family’s furniture business which his father started in the late 1940’s in Anderson known as McDonald Furniture Showroom shortly after graduating from Ball State University in 1966. He would be the owner of both McDonald’s Furniture and Glazier Furniture Store in Peru, IN until retiring in 2008.
He was a longtime member of Anderson First United Methodist Church where he was a worship leader. He enjoyed driving the church bus and van for many years. He was a member of the Anderson Lion’s Club, Sons of AMVETS and AMRCA- American Miniature Racing Car Association. He played euchre for many years with the Tri Kappa Sorority Euchre group. He was a former member of both Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge and the Madison County Shrine Club.
He loved auto racing attending the Indianapolis 500 for over 50 years and many sprint car races with his friends. He enjoyed golfing, animals, especially traveling and spending time on Sanibel Island, Florida.
He is survived by his two children, Tamara McDonald of Bloomington and Sean (wife, Alexandra) McDonald of Avon; three grandchildren, Cillian James McDonald, Seth McDonald, and Ethan Nile; a longtime friend of 60 years, Bill Sweeney of Anderson; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Henry McDonald; mother, Mary (Yattaw) Humphrey; his wife of 42 years, Jill McDonald who passed away on October 14, 2017; and his daughter, Holly McDonald in November 2024.
Funeral service will be at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Anderson First United Methodist Church with Rev. Corinne Boruff officiating. Burial will follow at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Monday, September 15, 2025 at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service (WEST END) and on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 11:00am-12:00 noon at the church.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Animal Protection League.