James McDonald, 62, of Lucerne died May 9, 2009, in Lucerne, reportedly from complications of diabetes.

Formerly a cook at Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, and more recently at Yvonne Cox's Dignity Diner soup kitchen held weekly at Kapitan's Café in Lucerne, he was known to his many friends as Max.

Born in Germany in 1947, he served in the United States Navy and for many years worked as a professional chef.

A burial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at Upper Lake Cemetery.

Ms. Cox said his “family” at the soup kitchen held a memorial service for him Tuesday night.

“Many of his friends gave thanks then for his bringing them into the 12-step program, where they got clean and sober,” she said.