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James F. McDonnell Sr.

FUNERAL HOME

J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc.

1601 W Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pennsylvania

James McDonnell Obituary

Name: Calling hours for James F. McDonnell Sr.
Start: 2014-11-12T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-11-12T21:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Thomas More Catholic Church

McDonnell, Sr., James F.James F. McDonnell Sr., of Allentown passed away Thursday, November 6, 2014 at the age of 82. He was the husband of Portia (Pescatore) McDonnell, and they were soon to celebrate 58 years of marriage. Jim was born in Springfield, Delaware County, the second of six children of Thomas and Catherine (McNelis) McDonnell. He graduated from West Catholic High, and attended LaSalle and St. Joseph's Colleges. Despite being under the age of consent, Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served with pride. After his military service, he entered law enforcement and was a decorated member of the Springfield Township Police Department. Shortly before his marriage, he began a distinguished 40 year career in management with the State Farm Insurance Company. An active member of St. Thomas More parish, he coached CYO basketball and was a Eucharistic minister. Jim was a leader of the Doe Mountain Ski Patrol for many years. He enjoyed 45 years of family vacations on Martha's Vineyard and was a member and enjoyed golf at Lehigh Country Club. Jim enjoyed a full life and many friends. He will be remembered for his commitment to his family, quick wit, and elegant style. Survivors: Jim is survived by his wife Portia (Bunny), and five children- Deborah Noone (Patrick), Sharon Hubregsen (Andrew), Sandra Lessing (David), James F. McDonnell Jr. (Maria) and Erin Soergel (David). He was a devoted grandfather to James and Meena Lessing, Alexander and Coco Allen McDonnell, Portia and Lulu Hubregsen, and Griff, Cakie and James Soergel. Services: Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, at 4 P.M. in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave. Allentown. Calling hour will be held on Wednesday, from 3 P.M. to 4 P.M. in the Church. Interment will be private. Arrangements by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. www.jsburkholder.com Contributions: The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations in his memory be made to the St. Thomas More Memorial Fund Tuition Reimbursement at 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown, PA 18103, or to the Worldwide Orphans Foundation 515 Valley Street, Suite 201, Maplewood NJ 07040, wwo.org.

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Published by Tulsa World on Nov. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for James McDonnell

Sponsored by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc..

15 Entries

Rob Ford

November 24, 2014

Dear McDonnell Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of one of my favorite people. As a youngster, I used to spend many days and nights at your house and got to know your dad very well. As it continued into our teens, then early 20's we still got many opportunities to play golf and see him at the house or Lehigh. He was a fantastic friend to my dad and he will really be missed. I thought the world of him, had much respect for him and always enjoyed being around him. Our family sends our deepest sympathy to your family.
Love, Rob and Dana Ford

November 12, 2014

Who else but Jim could have sheparded so many of us during his years as agency manager to do and be the very best .
Stan and I will send a private message to all of you at this sad, but filled with fine memories of a warm, funny, dedicated man.
Lynn and Stan Morris

Ann Bresnan

November 11, 2014

I knew Jim best through one of his beautiful daughter's Sandy. She embodies many of the wonderful traits which I just read that her father shared. God bless his soul and the hearts of his many loved ones. With sympathy and love during this sad time, xo Ann

Virginia Haddad

November 11, 2014

Such a wonderful guy, with so many friends and a wonderful family ! I remember he packed sodas & Gatorade for our golf group when we went to Wedgwood. A small thing, but so kind ! He will be greatly missed.

Natalie and Charles Knecht

November 10, 2014

We are saddened on learning about Jim's passing.We send our sincere condolences to you,Bunny, and your entire family.We spent many happy days with both of you over the years which we will always cherish.

Judith Ladonis

November 10, 2014

Dear McDonnell Clan-Please accept my deep,heartfelt sympathy on your very great loss. Jim has my enduring gratitude for launching a completely new career. One night at Doe Mountain he made a comment that he was looking for a female ex-teacher when Jane Styers suggested one who was still teaching. Me...Jim was my State Farm Manager. He was a great coach and he knew how to run interference to "not sweat the small stuff!" A good life time philosophy.
He will be greatly missed. Again my deepest sympathy.

November 9, 2014

Bunny and family
Joe and I are saddened by the loss of Jim
We never lose those we love,
They live forever inside our hearts
Our deepest sympathy
Gloria and Joe Billera

JCS

November 9, 2014

Semper Fi, Marine. We are the pilgrims, master. We shall go always a little further. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.

Dick P

November 9, 2014

I was very sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a great guy and I always said he was the grease that kept the gears of Doe Mountain Ski Patrol operating smoothly for many years. I learned so much about working with people from Jim. He always treated everyone with great respect and could get so much done while still being pleasant. He will be missed by many. My condolences to all.

Elena Pascal

November 9, 2014

Bunny and Family,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim just beamed with great pride when he mentioned his grandchildren, his children, but especially you Bunny. He will be missed by so many friends and he holds a special spot in our memory of his years as a member at Lehigh.
Elena and Joe Pascal

Susanne (Hupcey)Luke

November 9, 2014

Sani and Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of your family.

Nikki Sherman

November 9, 2014

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss, Deb, as well as to the rest of your family.

November 9, 2014

WE WERE SAD TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF JIMMY IT WAS A HONOR TO HAVE BEEN A FELLOW MANAGER WITH HIM. WE LOOKED FORWARD TO BEING WITH BOTH OF YOU AND OUR MANAGERS MEETING. JIM WAS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO CONTRIBUTE A EVENING OF LAUGHTER.

November 9, 2014

A beautiful tribute to a wonderful husband, dad & grand dad. I so agree. Jim was always elegantly dressed and always treated everyone with respect.

My prayers go out to all of you.....terrie ferretti

Randy Hartranft

November 9, 2014

Dear Bunny and Family. Sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. He was a great person to be around and I enjoyed the time I spent with him on the Doe Mt Ski Patrol.

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