Jimmy Donaldson

Jimmy “Devon” Donaldson passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at his home in Wilmington, NC.

Devon was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, the beloved only son of Doris and Marion Donaldson. It was there that he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Virginia “Ginger” Donaldson, whom he married soon after graduation. Devon moved to Georgia to attend Georgia State University, studying insurance and finance, and launched his career in the insurance industry before building a thriving multi-state enterprise.

Devon and Ginger shared nearly sixty years of devoted marriage, raising four children and eventually settling on Lake Jackson, Georgia. Ginger was an essential caregiver and exceptional cook whose warmth, humor, and whimsy anchored the home, while Devon built his enterprise and led their growing family. When Devon took early retirement, they spent a decade touring the country in their motor coach, exploring from coast to coast. He later worked as a real estate broker in Jackson before retiring again to Morehead City, NC.

After Ginger’s passing in 2020, Devon unexpectedly found a second great love when he and Frances crossed paths. Frances brought renewed hope and vitality into his life, challenging him to stay active and reconnect with his spiritual roots. Together, they built a warm home and community in Wilmington, enjoying bucket-list travels and precious time with their families.

Self-described as “mean as a snake and twice as ugly,” Devon was in truth a charming, mischievous, and intellectual Southern patriarch. He relished cheesy jokes, smoked barbecue, a good book, and a spirited debate. His faith was an honest, searching journey that weathered questions and rebellion before finding quiet peace, with a lasting affection for “Amazing Grace.”Above all, his calling was hospitality: firing up the smoker, opening his doors, and just visiting with the people he loved. In his later years, drawing close to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was his greatest pride.

Devon is survived by his wife, Frances Donaldson; his children: Pamela Donaldson Wall (Bevin), Christopher Donaldson (Gretchen), Cynthia Melia, and Amanda Dimery; nine grandchildren: Megan Montague (Gregory), McKenzie McCart (Shane), Madison Wall (Connor), Grace Donaldson, Kyle Donaldson, Olyvia Gander, Sofia Gander, Alexander Melia, and Jack Melia; great-grandsons Wyatt and Aiden Montague; three step-children and six step-grandchildren; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ginger, and his mother, Doris Donaldson.

An intimate memorial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 9, 2026, at his home in Wilmington. Extended family will gather at a later date at Stark United Methodist Church in Jackson, Georgia, where he will be laid to rest alongside Ginger.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.