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Peacefully at his home on the shores of Lake Huron surrounded by his loving family on Saturday May 3, 2025. James William Michael “Mike” McDonough, age 62 years of Lambton Shores. Loving husband of Lisa (Mayer) McDonough. Treasured bonus father to Olivia and Tucker Mayer. Much loved son of Margaret “Peggy” McDonough and the late James William McDonough (1991). Mike will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Annemarie McDonough. He was the dear son-in-law of Robert and Janice Haycock and Ross Warden and brother-in-law of Mike Haycock, Chris (Lisa) Haycock and Becky Haycock. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Jake Haycock in 2019. Mike was born in Strasbourg, France and raised in Sarnia since the age of three. Mike attended McMaster University, excelled in his academics, and graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree. He was a highly qualified professional accountant, having achieved his Chartered Accountant, Certified General Accountant and CPA (Michigan, USA) designations. Mike’s passing is a major loss to the business community of Sarnia-Lambton, from his 19 years at the SLBDC (formerly BDC) to his current public accounting firm, JW Michael McDonough Professional Corporation. As a proud CPA, Mike had a deep love for his work. He brought precision, integrity, and an enthusiasm that colleagues and clients alike admired. He found true joy in solving complex problems, helping others, and making small business ownership just a little bit easier for everyone he served. He will be deeply missed by his dedicated, hardworking, and fiercely loyal staff, Lindsay, Laurie, Mary Anne, Patricia, Jane and Yesha, who not only admired him as a leader, but truly adored him as a person. He created a workplace filled with respect, humor, a few cusswords and heart—and that kind of magic is rare. To those of us who knew him loved him and will miss his dry sense of humour, his insanely detailed memory, his frankness about “death and taxes” and all the fun he had to offer along the way. Outside the office, Mike embraced life with a youthful spirit. He was a die-hard NFL fan, a devoted NASCAR enthusiast, and a self-declared connoisseur of Diet Coke. He rocked out unapologetically to Taylor Swift, proving you’re never too old to shake it off. His greatest joys, though, were found at home. He treasured every moment with his beloved wife Lisa, and took immense pride and love in being a bonus dad to Olivia and Tucker. He adored his “Golden Girls”, Ash and Ellie, and his two cats, Ping and Cheeto, who all brought endless joy and comfort to his everyday life. His lakeside home in Lake Valley Grove, Lambton Shores was his sanctuary—a place of peace, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Mike lived fully, loved deeply, and worked with purpose. His legacy will live on in spreadsheets carefully balanced, tailgate Sundays, lakeside sunsets, and every joyful note of a Taylor Swift song. Friends will be received at the Knight Funeral Home, 588 St. Clair Parkway, Corunna on Tuesday May 6, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday with Pastor Tim Brown officiating. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers sympathy may be expressed through memorial donations to the Sarnia and District Humane Society or to the Bluewater Health Oncology Department. Messages and condolences may be left online at www.knightfuneralhome.ca Knight 519-862-2845
