Then, he moved to Michigan, where he was employed by the Chicago and North Western Railway Company.

He then worked for the Chicago and North Western Railway Company again as a roadmaster until 1867, when he resigned due to the money he was gaining from his iron ore mining property.

[2] In 1886, James H. MacDonald was elected lieutenant governor of Michigan on the Republican ticket, defeating Democratic nominee Solomon S. Curry.

[5] In 1888, MacDonald was re-elected, defeating Democratic nominee William B. Moran.

On January 19, 1889, MacDonald died in a railroad accident near Elmwood station in Gogebic County.