James O'Donnell Obituary

James V. O'Donnell
6 June 1941
7 May 2012
GALVESTON James Vincent O'Donnell, Jr. age 70 of Galveston died Monday, May 7, 2012 at his residence in Galveston. Memorial services are 11:00 am Friday, May 11, 2012 at The Lyceum at First Lutheran Church 2401 Winnie in Galveston, the Reverend Dr. Brodace Elkins officiating.
Recognizing there was a chance I might someday die, I wrote this. I've sat in too many funeral homes watching people struggle with a creative writing exercise while their hearts were breaking. So they usually get it wrong. What follows is a summary of my life, and its losses, loves, and lessons. You may disagree with some of it, but I'm paying the bill for this, so don't expect me to be sparing in self-praise or completely objective in recollection. Here's some of what my years on the planet taught me.
What I Learned At Home Born in suburban New Jersey in 1941, inspired by my loving parents' example, I early on discovered the satisfaction of working hard. After graduating from college with a degree in English Literature, I traveled the country as a drug salesman, learning the fundamentals of marketing by selling cough drops, acne remedies and mucilaginous, malodorous, mentholated Vicks Vapo-Rub salve to drug stores.
What I Learned In School In addition to learning to love alliteration, my 'useless' liberal arts education helped me learn how to write and speak clearly and logically. Most importantly, it cemented my love for reading, which provided both refuge and ongoing education.
What I Learned From Selling Salve I was amused to learn that some farmers added Vapo-Rub to the feed for their chickens during the winter, to keep them healthy. Other people actually ate it by the spoonful every day because they believed it had magical medicinal properties. Some smeared it on their warts, because they thought it would make them go away. People who don't read books believe the darn'dest things.
What I Learned In Business After a few stultifying years with big companies (one 50-year old man I worked for at GE was immensely proud of his filing system!), I joined a small regional air carrier in upstate New York and contracted a disease called 'airline-itis', catching it by working in an industry where having fun on the job often took the place of career stability and earning significant income. I never aspired to be a Wall Street or Enron master-of-the universe - enjoying my work was more important. For the next 35 years I derived more pleasure from my jobs than most people do, got fired several times (by the same people who then hired me back), had some failures and successes, started a couple of new companies, and lost millions to a partner and his wife who stole it from my family and me. Those two turned dishonesty and disloyalty into an art form. Upon reflection, I don't regret my career choices because they paid the bills and almost always entertained me.
What I Learned From Retirement When I retired to a beach house on the Gulf of Mexico I spent all of my time with my family, reading, and enjoying doing little work. I don't know what I accomplished, but it always took me all day to get it done.
After decades of traveling to far-flung places, eating and drinking in the best restaurants, staying in upscale hotels and wearing expensive clothes, I found myself perversely content to wear Wal-Mart jeans and to seek out authentic Mexican restaurants for the sheer pleasure of living on the cheap. I figure that somewhere along the way I must have filled my quota for expensive things (except for the cameras, cars and computers).
What I Learned From My Family I am survived by my wife and best friend, Nonette. She is the kindest, most generous and patient person I've ever known. I woke up almost every morning looking forward to the day ahead with her. Nonette's love, loyalty and tolerance know no limit, and her example made me a better person. Being around the house together all day long required that we observed a rule of silence until dinnertime, helping assure we'd have things to talk about. Apparently it worked, because we never got bored with each other. I'm also saying goodbye for now to my only living child, Kathleen. No father could have a better kid, or be more proud of her! She's loving, smart, independent, funny, accomplished, and attractive. She will continue to do very well in life.
What I Learned About God's Mercy In 2008 we lost our son Mike, 42, to callous medical malpractice. None of us ever got over the tragedy, and the waste of such a brilliant and funny person. He was robbed of the chance to see his beloved son - the most important person in his life - grow into manhood. In 2010 we lost Ann, our youngest daughter. This precious, indomitable girl was killed while she sped in her police cruiser in an heroic effort to stop a kidnapper. Gone before her 25th birthday, intelligent, caring, funny, everyone's friend, Ann never had a chance for marriage, children, her own home or all the other things she deserved. I refused to accept gracefully or stoically the needless loss in their prime of two of my 3 children.
In Closing My daughter and my 3 grandsons - Adam, Jordan, and Zachary - will carry on the family traditions of fairness, service to others, and trying to make people laugh. I wish each of them success and happiness. My best friends were my wife, Nonette, my children, Mindy Balgrosky of Manhattan Beach, CA, and Foolio and Rupert, our parrots. The other creatures who enriched my days were my canines (in chronological order) Sandy, Pat, Jonesie, Princess, Peugeot, Fluffy-Duffy, Rommel, Robert, Puppy, Cosette; and our felines, Liebchen, Bunny, Muffin, Dirt, Percy and KC. And a terrific hamster named Mousie-man. We had a rabbit once, too, named Natasha, but I didn't like her.
Last Words To everyone who loved me - thank you. You gave much more than you received. To God - I hope you can find a few minutes to talk with me, because you got some 'splaining to do.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to The 100 Club, Inc. 5555 San Felipe St Ste 520, Houston TX 77056-2733.

Published by Houston Chronicle on May 9, 2012.
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Today marks 10 years since we lost Jimmy. I think of him all the time. Laugh at something I see or read that I can only imagine JVO's response. Remember all the interesting times we had together. Incredible success at Texas International, New York Air and Continental as JVO's team changed the industry forever. Misbehaving on the streets of New York. Spending a night in NY searching for decent Mexican food with a cabbie hired for the night to run us all over town and wait while we went in and sampled a dish. I don't think we finished a single one. I never knew nor cared what the taxi fare was but I figured Jim would get it covered. Oh, we never found an acceptable Mexican restaurant. We must have tried 10. Or the time Jim was dispatched to recover the company car of a fired president. Using spare keys to sneak it out of the ex-exec's driveway in the wee hours after a night out. And so many, many more, most in appropriate for this message.
Jimmy I miss you so much and will get to laugh with Kathleen in a week when we see her. I love you, my friend.

Bruce Hicks

May 7, 2022

I still miss him every day. I think of Jimmy and Noni all the time. They left such a hole in our lives, but also left behind so many, many great memories. Kathleen and I regularly giggle over things that remind us of Jim's, uh, antics, shall we say. I will always love you and Noni, my dear, dear friends.

Bruce Hicks

Friend

May 3, 2019

I had the good fortune to work with Jim and CO's great staff during the heydays of the TravelBank frequent flyer program and the development and launch of the OnePass Program wich was developed for both CO and EA. Jim had an amazing creative mind and an incredible ability to come up with outrageously sucessful promotions. Thanks for the memories Jim.

Steve Grosvald

June 13, 2012

As a young airline communications director faced with an unimmaginable situtaion, I was blessed to have Jim to call on for support and advice. He was a mentor and a rock through it all. His wit and wisdom always brightened my day and put things into perspective. He made a significant impact on my life and I am forever grateful.

Marcia Scott

June 12, 2012

You were a true "one of a kind" and will be missed dearly. I always appreciated our relatioonsahip, especially in the last 10 years. Miss you.....

Neal

Neal Meehan

June 12, 2012

You were a true "one of a kind" and will be missed dearly. I always appreciated our relatioonsahip, especially in the last 10 years. Miss you.....

Neal

Neal Meehan

June 12, 2012

I became a believer in Jim on what I thought was going to be the worst day of my life. It was Dec 18, 1981 and the FAA had just told us we could not launch NY Air on Dec 19. In fact the New York Post front page had the headline "can NY Air get it up?" What they didn't say was that we had almost no passengers even booked for the first day! Jim was in his office next door and I walked In and he was riding his stationary bike with the lights out and smiling. He said to me " This is fantastic! Everyone will know about us now"! As always he was able to see the big picture and take advantage of positioning his company to capitalize on every opportunity presented no matter what the challenge. Nonette I will never forget the times Adam and I spent at Trube getting to know your wonderful family personally. While you have had a series of life altering events thrown your way, way too early in your life, the inner strength you have will see you through this crisis as well. Jim is now with the Lord and He has by now explained everything to Jim about the suffering you both endured. Jim is now at peace. So stay strong, and know that you have a friend in me forever. Best, Ken Carlson

June 8, 2012

James V. was one of the first people I met when I joined Continental back in 1985. He remained a constant friend during my time with the company yet he was usually the reason I got into mischief! We shared a love of many things and most especially humour. Recently when I told Jim we kept pigs he wrote back to say, "Why? Are there no butchers where you live?" Typically Jim, right on the money.

When I joined Co I met with Jim on my first day in Houston. This was our first exchange

"Why the hell did we hire an $£@&%$ Brit?" Said Jim
"You'd better ask Phil and Frank I guess."
"Don't worry I intend to."
He then laughed and we never looked back in our relationship.

For me Jim was mercurial, and his brilliance tinged with creative madness was never better highlighted than the time he showed me adverts promoting the Houston - London flights that had an illustration of my Queen sitting in her bath. I suggested if we ran these ads I would be sent to the Tower of London. "Don't worry, I'll visit." I'm sure he would have.

I had thirty minutes with Jim on the phone about ten days or so before his passing. Every one of those minutes I will treasure.

(I'm in Scotland, this thing insisted I live in America)

Richard Havers

June 8, 2012

We will all really miss JVO.

I first remember "meeting" Jim in a phone call that I received while he was at Mohawk Airlines around the summer of 1970. He was calling at the request of the Company's president to read a press release they were planning concerning a deal that Bob Carney and I were attempting with Mohawk. I didn't like the release (so what else is new!), but I always remembered his sacrilegious style.

So in 1972, just after we acquired control of TXI, I called him to see if he was interested in coming to Texas and being part of the wet-behind-the-ears team that we were putting together at TXI. Joining the company he did, and we have worked together (and apart) as co-workers and friends since. Thru the airline years--and even after, no one has had a greater impact on me regarding the sensitivity and thinking of the consumer and the marketplace than JVO.

I get asked from time to time about Peanuts Fares, for example. Only someone as willing to strike out against the crowd as Jim, would have come up with a name like that. And indeed he did. While it was not a popular choice among our executive group initially, it went on to be one the most creative and defining promotional programs in the deregulation period for airlines, and indeed TXI.

After Continental years, Jim continued providing his unique perspective to me in writings and opinions of various kinds.

I appreciated seeing the great turnout for Jim at the beautifully-done services in Galveston. My thoughts continue to be with Nonette, who of course I have known for many years and observed her steadfast love and loyalty to Jim. As well for Kathy, his beautiful and loving daughter, and his grandsons Adam, Jordan and Zachary. Of course, Jim also left many loyal friends who have thought a lot about him in recent days.

So long to you, Jim, until we hopefully meet again. And, if we do, please don't be too sarcastic.

Frank Lorenzo

June 7, 2012

JVO...what a character! He was such a creative genius and a funny caring man....he taught me so much...mainly how to think outside the box and he gave me many opportunities to participate in his brainstorming sessions...I learned alot from him...and I gained some self confidence as he always treated me as an equal in the most irreverent way! I truly appreciate the latitude he allowed me "Roach" in my discussions with him....Rest peacefully...though I am sure God will snag him for some great new ideas! Nonette and all my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Kathy DeLoach Garrett

Kathy DeLoach Garrett

June 7, 2012

Quick, brilliant, tough, caring and marching to only his drumbeat . . . that was my friend, Jim. He was the critic who would always call it like he saw it, no matter what. If I was ever in a PR battle, JVO was the ally I wanted on my side. Joni and I loved him and miss him terribly. He made our world a better place. Our best to sweet Nonette!
Lewis Jordan

June 7, 2012

I'll never forget the first meeting I had with Jim when I started working for him at Continental: "If you pay attention, you'll learn some things you'll be able to use for the rest of your career. You'll learn even more about what not to do. That will be much more fun, and probably more successful." Jim, you were right on all counts. My deepest condolences to Nonette, Kathleen, and his family. Jim was genuinely one of a kind, and he is truly missed.

Henry Harteveldt

June 7, 2012

You almost made it to 71, my friend. Thought about you, Nonie and Kathleen much of the day yesterday. I hope you have had that sit down with God by now. I doubt you would be very patient in waiting too long.

Bruce Hicks

June 7, 2012

JVO, quite a guy! He was my boss, my mentor, client, benefactor and friend to me and Kay. Jim was a true master of his art. I was honored to have been on his team.

Gil Choppin

June 4, 2012

As an airline marketing "lifer," I wish I had the opportunity to work for Jim, for I would have learned much. I'm glad that a TI and CO colleague forwarded his splendid self-written obituary, which captured the joy of working in the clouds. Rest in peace, Jim.

Rob Britton

May 27, 2012

Although we knew each other very briefly about 35+ years ago, I remember Jim as being a kind and caring person. I think Phil Bakes said it all and said it well. He was a wonderful man.

jack keady

May 15, 2012

Jim died way too young, way too early for Nonette, for his daughter Kathy, for his his three grandsons, Adam, Jordan and Zachary, for his extended surviving family and, of course, his many friends, former colleagues and admirers. Yet, the influence,lasting lessons and impressions from Jim's life and work equal those of someone who lived for 100 or 200 years or more. Jim was a genius, sometimes a crazy genius, more often a break-through "why didn't I think of that" genius who not only pushed the promotional and marketing envelope but occupied entirely new envelopes never occupied before. He bumped against and broke through conventions, rules, tried and tested old ways of doing business, sometimes breaking glass, occasionally offending but always setting new standards and paving new paths. It is said that one can ever stay mad at someone who makes you laugh and no one who knew Jim could ever be mad for long. In fact, as sad as we all are at his passing, those of us who attended his funeral service last week on May 11 in Galveston had an afternoon of smiles, belly laughs and big doses of joy -- interspersed with our tears -- because so many stories of Jim were shared with those of us gathered -- hilarious, heartwarming, outrageous, breathrough stories. Last Friday was truly a celebration of a life that was truly worth celebrating and recounting. We will miss you, Jim, but what you left for all of us is rich and enduring and, yes, something that will continue to bring smiles and inspiration to all of us for many, many years to come.

Phil Bakes

May 14, 2012

I had a choice between Piedmont and TI: I made the absolutely right one, but Jim didn't tell me the days were 12 hours instead of eight. It was ok, really it was, for the energy and the constantly-changing "to-do" list led to "never a dull moment" professional growth. Talk about "crazy busy"! Jim, I didn't know you, too, were an animal lover. My cats and the parrot would have loved meeting you. Nonette and family: You are in my thoughts with grace, and I wish you so many beautiful days ahead.

Stephanie Stephens (Roth)

May 13, 2012

It appears that James had a great outlook on life. We seem to be of a kindred spirit. I was born 1940 and he in 1941 and the question always remains, "What is life?" Christ died for us so that we could have life more abundantly. James appeared to have lived his life well-- and abundantly. I thank God for James -- and may his lessons not be lost.

Howard Smith

May 13, 2012

We all remember JVO...and will truly miss him. True to form, Jim's final letter is so inspirational and so well composed. He leaves us with an excellent message from a husband, father and friend to help us all deal with his passing.

Millie Jones

May 13, 2012

Nonette and Kathleen - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jim was a great man and colleague. The greatest gift we can ever give someone is to remember them. . . he is remembered fondly. May God give you and your family peace and comfort through this difficult time.

Joy Prescott

May 13, 2012

Nonette - I've thought of you so much this week. Jim clearly had a positive impact on the life and careers of everyone who worked with him at TI, CO and NYA and he will be missed - but I can't begin to imagine how much he will be missed by you. So I send you my heartfelt condolences.

The lesson I learned from JVO was that everything was "doable". He was the crazy marketing guy and I was the airport/reservation procedural person. Telling him that his marketing idea was not procedurally implementable was not an option - I had to come up with a way to make it work. As a result, "how can we make this work" has been my mantra and consulting success. Thank you, my friend.

Candyce Preston-Hula

May 12, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss of both husband & father. After reading this beautiful story I realized I did know Jim. He was on my final interview with Texas International in 1978 ! I am still flying & remember his great sense of humor.
God bless you all & may your memories help you during this difficult loss.
Debbie Fricke Smith

Debbie Smith

May 12, 2012

Hello to some relatives, and very sorry for your/our loss. Became friends w Jim on Facebook, as we had mutual relatives, my Aunt Kit Swift Mitchell. Jim was fun to email and toss things back and forth. I know he loved his Family, and truly missed his son and daughter. Best of the best to Jim. Again, enjoy what you had with Jim, and be assured he will still be watching over his loved ones. danny swift

danny swift

May 12, 2012

JVO - Add me to the list of colleagues who were just happy to be along for the ride on the O'Donnell magic carpet. Your creativity and passion drove us all be better than we may have expected.

And I'll tell you what, as you looked down upon us yesterday at the celebration of your life, I hope you were laughing as hard as the rest of us at the stories, because you couldn't make up any better!!

Rest in peace, old friend.

Randy Essell

May 12, 2012

So long pal.

I wish you Godspeed and peace.

Like many others, I thank you for giving me a chance...

Joe Lopano

May 11, 2012

I was always in awe of Jim, his wit, his quick comebacks, his knowledge and the way he approached life. It was a privilege to know him. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

Sandy Kraus

May 11, 2012

Thanks Jim for the valuable insights and perspectives you always brought to the table, we're all smarter for having spent time with you.
Stan Hula

Stan Hula

May 11, 2012

Jim was my friend, boss and "playmate". He taught me so much from that creative mind of his. I really loved this guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

June Stoker

May 11, 2012

Jim took an inexperienced airline sales guy and mentored him to 10years of fun and success!
What a teacher and what a gift to cut to the chase!
" make sure we never loose media film in shipping Sam, "he told me," the bast...ds, will rent a row boat and cross the bay to film an accident if we piss them off!" he told me.
I personally over saw all the tv stuff from that point on!
He had the greatest ability to make a point and get you to act at a level higher than you knew you could!
He was captain peanut!
I learned to help those who worked under my leadership because he taught me to respect, care, and clearly communicate with those I worked with.
JVO, up their helping market heaven:)
Thanks for the memories.
Last Hug
Sam Jones

Samuel Jones

May 11, 2012

If wit and brilliance were money, Jim was likely the richest person I've ever known. All of us who knew him will miss him, and the world will be a little duller without him.

Rick Scott

May 11, 2012

As an employee of Texas International and Continental Airlines from 1973 - 1984, I was on Jim O'Donnell's marketing staff four separate times in various capacities.

Working with Jim was sometimes exasperating, often exhilarating, and always entertaining.

Learning from Jim has had immeasurable influence on my life success in business.

Ben Karr
Fort Worth, Texas

May 11, 2012

I will miss you, but will always love you.
George Zuckerman(NY)

May 11, 2012

You were a giant in our industry and a giant in my life. Words escape me to describe what you meant to me and my family. I will never forget you! Rest in peace my friend.

Ted Mandel

May 11, 2012

Jim was one of the brightest Marketing guys I met during a dynamic period in aviation history -- in which he played a big part. He also took an interest in young people who shared his passion. I know I'm joined by hundreds of former colleagues who will miss Jim and everything he stood for.

Mark Rudel
Atlanta GA

Mark Rudel

May 10, 2012

Thanks Jim for what you did for me...gave me a chance!
Joe Humphry

joe Humphry

May 10, 2012

There is a reason I read the obits everyday. This wonderful man obviously lived a full life. Let me add my voice to the others who say I'm sorry i never met him. His presence will obviously be missed by his loved ones.

Thomas Britt

May 10, 2012

I didn't know James, but after having read his obit, I wish I had. He had a life well lived--filled with triumphs and tragedies. The loss of not one child, but two, that must have been tough. God has a plan, and it is revealed in God's time. May James' family treasure the memory of his time with them.

Jane Brown

May 9, 2012

Joining the chorus of people that never met Mr O'Donnell but were fortunate enough to have read his obituary. I'm sure he will be making everyone laugh and smile in heaven. Prayers to to his family.

H Tejeda

May 9, 2012

Kathleen and family: I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Ronna (Austin)

May 9, 2012

What a beautiful, well written obituary. I did not know Mr. O'Donnell but his story was wonderful to read and may he rest in peace.

Mia

May 9, 2012

I didn't know Mr, O'Donnell but I would have like to. What a great life he had, thanks for sharing it with us and what a great legacy you are leaving. May God give you peace in your time of grief.
Diana

Diana Greer

May 9, 2012

I didn't know Mr. O'Donnell but I sure did enjoy reading his story. May you have peace in your time of grief. Sorry for your loss.

Elsa Romo

May 9, 2012

By accident I stumbled on this obituary, what can I say except thank you for sharing your story. What a truly lucky man you were, so many gifts and opportunities, hopefully God has anwered your questions. Obviously he had very important jobs he needed filled for your two children, I'm sure he has an important job for you as well, your journey has only just begun. Rest in peace James....say hello to my family for me, will ya.

May 9, 2012

Wow what a life fullfilled and tragety of losing 2 children and a live that looked to be treasured with the love of his family. I did not know your loved one but this writing of his life is how I want my obit to be like I feel like I was part of his life.

Dana

May 9, 2012

We all mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague. He was, without doubt, the smartest, most creative person I have ever known. He lived on the edge and took us all with him. It was one heck of a ride!

Bruce Hicks

May 9, 2012

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