1 Upcoming Event
Mass
MAR
06
Friday, March 6, 2026
Starts at 10:30 am
Saint Ann Catholic Church
475 9th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102
James "Jimmy" Joseph McDonnell, 86, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025.
Jim was born on January 4, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA. and was the only child of the late Joseph H. McDonnell and Margaret (née Rodgers). He attended Northeast Catholic High School and went on to LaSalle College, where he participated in the ROTC program. Jim graduated in 1961 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army where he served in Germany. Jim began his career at Price Waterhouse in NYC. After several years in other businesses, he then formed Longwood Industries with his partners.
Sixty-three years ago, Jim married the love of his life, Kathleen "Kathy" (née Cunningham). Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their family in Chatham, NJ where Jim was deeply involved in his community and formed many lasting friendships. He later retired to Naples, FL.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. He was known for his warmth, steady presence, and unmistakable sense of humor. His interests included golf, spirited conversations, and proudly cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether at home, on the golf course, or gathered with loved ones, Jim valued connection, loyalty, and tradition.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Kathy; his daughters, Christine McDonnell of Hilton Head Island, SC, and Elizabeth Bigham and her husband, John, of Chatham, NJ; and his eight grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Hess.
Jim will be remembered for his devotion to family, his integrity, his kindness, and the many lives he touched through friendship and service. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 475 9th Avenue South.
A "Celebration of His Life" will follow at Windstar On Naples Bay Clubhouse, 1700 Windstar Boulevard.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Naples Botanical Garden, Naples FL.
Jim was born on January 4, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA. and was the only child of the late Joseph H. McDonnell and Margaret (née Rodgers). He attended Northeast Catholic High School and went on to LaSalle College, where he participated in the ROTC program. Jim graduated in 1961 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army where he served in Germany. Jim began his career at Price Waterhouse in NYC. After several years in other businesses, he then formed Longwood Industries with his partners.
Sixty-three years ago, Jim married the love of his life, Kathleen "Kathy" (née Cunningham). Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their family in Chatham, NJ where Jim was deeply involved in his community and formed many lasting friendships. He later retired to Naples, FL.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. He was known for his warmth, steady presence, and unmistakable sense of humor. His interests included golf, spirited conversations, and proudly cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether at home, on the golf course, or gathered with loved ones, Jim valued connection, loyalty, and tradition.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Kathy; his daughters, Christine McDonnell of Hilton Head Island, SC, and Elizabeth Bigham and her husband, John, of Chatham, NJ; and his eight grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Hess.
Jim will be remembered for his devotion to family, his integrity, his kindness, and the many lives he touched through friendship and service. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Saint Ann Catholic Church, 475 9th Avenue South.
A "Celebration of His Life" will follow at Windstar On Naples Bay Clubhouse, 1700 Windstar Boulevard.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Naples Botanical Garden, Naples FL.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Joseph McDonnell, please visit our flower store.
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