James Conor McDonald, whom many know as James Dolan, and for others, who have known him for a long time, as Conrad, was born on October 22 1960 and changed his earthly shape on Monday night May 13, 2024. Loved by many, admired by more, many are still in shock that his ninth life escaped him at 63 years of age. Seemingly indestructible, having cheated death more times than most people because of his strength, prowess and unflinching bravery, whether falling from wild horses he was taming, wiping out in huge Hawaiian or Mexican surf above rock and coral reefs, bareknuckle boxing in Tijuana, or jumping from cliffs or rooftops, he is remembered by us all as the one who always dared and who fought for what he believed in, including environmental protections and biodiversity. 

He grew up in Rancho Santa Fe, with many surf trips to Mexico, Ireland and Hawaii, went to Torrey Pines High School, Mira Costa College and UCSD, later spent nearly 20 years in Ireland founding the Listowel Equestrian Center. Once back in California, he dedicated his time to his families of people and animals, protecting bees and pollinators through his Encinitas Bee Company (non-toxic bee removal), which was often featured on the news, in city government meetings and in local schools. James regularly participated in EcoFest and helped with wildlife and native plant preservation at Fox Point Farms in Encinitas. Most notably, he helped shape legislation that bans toxic pesticides and preserves bees in Encinitas in hopes that many other communities will follow. 

His passion and enthusiasm led Encinitas to become a Bee City USA. Father, brother, son, surfer, night surfer (featured in the New York Times), motocrosser, skateboarder, skier, mountain biker, hike leader, runner, dog foster parent, honey maker, horticulturist, activist, fisher person, scuba diver, archer, marksman, black belt in karate, a legend to all he knew, his family includes five sons Colin, Max, CJ, Tristan, Conor, brothers Bryan, Hiroshi, Eugene, Rick, Yager (deceased), Bob (deceased), sisters Bridget and Kirstie (deceased), nephews Emmett and Fionn, nieces Bryanna and Tallula, partners Yamile Herrera, Kim Park, Laura Tappe, Liberty Sacker, Rosaline Hogeling (and others), step sisters and brothers, many friends, father art collector Herbert Lust, scholar author mother Dr. Marianne McDonald, founder of the Sharp McDonald Center for treatment of substance use disorder. James was fluent in Spanish and even spoke some Hebrew. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bee City USA, a program of the Xerxes (pollinator protection) society. https://secure.qgiv.com/for/x… (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/x…)

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