Bruce James Macdonald

Bruce James MacDonald, 62, of Peoria, IL passed away on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at his home in Peoria Heights. Bruce, known as BJ, was born on April 19, 1953 in Minneapolis, MN to Bruce I. and Rosemary (Gratz) MacDonald. Both parents preceded him in death as well as his nephew, Anthony. BJ is survived by his daughter Chase McLaughlin of Bloomington. He is also survived by his siblings, MaryRose (Tim) Howard of Murray, IA, Margaret (Ron) Dwyer of Edwards, Kathleen (Anders) Holmberg of Marshall's Creek, PA, Theresa Ellis of Fort Lauderdale, FL, James (Christina) MacDonald of Peoria, and Marcia Koeppel of East Peoria and many nieces and nephews. BJ worked at several jobs throughout the years including ten years at Chris Hoer and Son, and many more years for Gray Interplant, working for Caterpillar. BJ loved his music and spent many years playing his guitar in Peoria, around the area, and wherever there were people willing to listen, including several shows at the Peoria Blues Festival with his band, The Bruce James Band. He was a very thoughtful, kind, and generous man whose heart was bigger than his billfold. But the true love of his life was his daughter Chase whom he was very, very proud of and who held a special place in his heart. Bruce's family would also like to thank Jack and Cathy for their help this past year making it a better one for Bruce. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment of ashes will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Online condolences at www.peoriafuneral.com.