James Donaldson

In 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2020, Donaldson underwent several major heart related surgeries that beat him down so far, along with a divorce, bankruptcy, business closures and foreclosure on his home, that it drove to him to point of contemplating taking his own life.

During these impactful life experiences, in which he learned to reach out for help, seek medical advice, bring together a tight intimate group of friends, all at the same time, staying away from harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol, which only would’ve exacerbated the situation.

He is now an advocate and spokesperson on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. He started up his own 501c3 non-profit organization called Your Gift of Life Foundation www.yourgiftoflife.org

Mental health issues, continue to plague our country, especially in this new millennium. Donaldson has been “there and done that”, and now can relate better than most for anyone going through life’s challenges, and facing very difficult decisions and choices to make. Donaldson’s main focus is our school aged children and trying to get men to realize it’s okay to ask for help.

Donaldson is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. Most people would be surprised to learn that he didn’t start playing basketball until he was a junior in high school. His late start in the sport didn’t stop him from becoming top player for Washington State University (79) and earning a place among NBA All-Stars in 1988. 

His professional basketball career included playing time with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in Spain, Italy, and Greece and toured with the Harlem Globetrotters. His dedication to excellence and discipline to practice served to set him apart and earned him a place in the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, Donaldson was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.