James Russell Donnelley June 18, 1935 - September 25, 2018 James Donnelley, known to his family and friends across the world as Jim, passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 83. Larger than life in so many ways, Jim left his impression on the city he loved and the people who knew and loved him. Son of Ann and Elliott Donnelley (deceased), he grew up in Lake Forest Illinois. A graduate of Dartmouth College (57), he then served in the Navy on a destroyer and then received his dolphins in the submarine service. He went on to earn his Master in Business degree at the University of Chicago (62) before beginning his life as a printing executive for RR Donnelley and Sons Company. Jim retired as Vice Chairman of the company, founded by his great grandfather, and continued to serve on its board until he was 70. During his tenure he mentored many, served proudly, and thought constantly about the welfare of all. He served on numerous boards close to home and far away, including R.R Donnelley & Sons (retired vice chairman), Sierra Pacific Resources in Nevada, and PMP Limited, Australia (past chairman). In addition, he served on numerous charitable boards among them The Chicago Public Library Foundation, The Chicago Youth Centers, and The National Merit Scholarship Corporation, where he served as board chair over his tenures. He was also a dedicated board member of The Associated Colleges of Illinois, The National Recreation Foundation and Lake Forest College. He was passionate about education and providing for others and did so on countless levels. Jim was also a member of many clubs in the area, among them the Chicago yacht club, the Mid America Club, the Racket Club and the Casino Club here in Chicago. He will be remembered by many in Chicago and afar, young and old. Jim always enjoyed a good cigar, a martini, and the company of family and friends He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Nina (nee Herrmann), his children Niel (Kristin), and Nicole, his six grandchildren Jim, Jack, Joe, Ted, Jamie, and Caroline, and his three favorite brothers Thomas, Robert and David and their families. Private burial service at Lake Forest Cemetery. A memorial will be held at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Michigan Avenue at Delaware Place, Chicago, on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at 3 PM followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, Jim 's wishes were that anyone who wanted honor him do so with donations to one of the following organizations: The Chicago Youth Centers, The Chicago Public Library Foundation, and The Night Ministries. Please visit JAMES DONNELLEY BOOK OF MEMORIES. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit www.chapelc.com or www.facebook.com/centralchapel. Arrangements by CENTRAL CHAPEL, Robert J. Moynihan & Co., Directors, Info., 773-581-9000 or 312-944-6060.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Sep. 30, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James Donnelley

14 Entries

August 27, 2019

I worked ir RRD in London in the late 1980'
s as a sales manager, I received a call from Jim one day to pick up some parcel s for in preparation for a visit he was to make to London. As a mere sales manager I did as I was asked and carried the parcels in the boot of my car until Jims visit.
When Jim came over to London I dutifully worked my way through the cigar smoke and gave him his parcel's.
Parcel 1 = a new suit ,all good.
Parcel 2 = a new shotgun .
I had been carrying firearms around in the car with no licence !!.
He was a true gent,a pleasure to have known,
RIP mate.
Dennis Sullivan .

Howard (Mike) Meincke

December 7, 2018

JIM WAS MY SECOND COUSIN. MY GRANDMOTHERS' SISTER WAS HIS MOTHER. (HIS MOTHER WAS MY AUNT). I RECENTLEY FOUND OUT ABOUT HIS PASSING. I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR THIS. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW JIM WELL, I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF HIM AND HIS FAMILY GROWING UP. MY PARENTS WERE CLOSE TO HIS FAMILY.

MANY YEARS AGO, JIM INVITED ME TO LUNCH AT A CLUB THAT HE WAS A MEMBER OF WHEN I WORKED AND LIVED IN CHICAGO. I ALSO HAVE GREAT MEMORIES ATTENDING THE TRAIN TRIPS ALONG WITH A VERY SELECT LARGE GROUP THAT THE DONNELLY BROTHERS INVITED, WHICH TRAVELED TO WISCONSIN FROM LAKE FOREST STATION. MY WHOLE FAMILY WILL MISS HIM.

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY.

Bart Faber

October 8, 2018

I worked for Jim. He was a gentleman kind caring and honorable. Carried all of his familys best qualities. Jim was an intuitive and good business person. He played the major role in Build R R Donnelley in to the number 1 financial printer. He took charge of the busintwhen it was number 5 but through vision and determination made it a huge success. I am proud to have worked with him and hope he claims all the rewards of heaven

Kevin Richardson

October 8, 2018

I had the privilege of working for Jim Donnelley for many years and the honor of being his friend for even longer. He was the epitome of graciousness, intelligence, and generosity. His well-known greeting of Hi Friend was characteristic of both his kind and thoughtful nature and his remarkable ability to relate to and befriend people from all walks of life was one of the hallmarks of his remarkable life. The world is now a far lesser place without him and I will greatly miss his friendship and wise counsel. Jim Donnelley was a true gentleman who I was proud to call my friend.

Ted Lipkowski

October 4, 2018

Happy memories of working with you at the Lakeside Press.

Anthony Hirschel

October 4, 2018

Jim was irrepressibly cheerful on the annual train trips to which he and his brothers treated so many of us. The community is poorer for his absence. Sincerest condolences to the entire family.

Hanson Family

October 2, 2018

Sincere condolences to Nina and the Donnelley family. Jim was a generous man on all levels. We enjoyed supplying Jim with his favorite homemade blueberry/lemon jam each Christmas. May friends and family surround you and give you strength.

Bill Dixon

September 30, 2018

On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans (USSVI), I offer our sincere condolences on James' passing. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for James' service to our country in the U.S. Submarine Service. To our Brother we say, Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. May you rest in peace and may God bless your loved ones who remain. Thank you for your service to our country.

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way" 2 Thess 3:16

James Russell Donnelley, US Navy, Now on Eternal Patrol.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate.

Bill Dixon, National Chaplain United States Submarine Veterans, USSVI.

September 30, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father. May your fond memories and the peace that God gives comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time. Phillipians 4:6,7,13

C. Escobar

September 30, 2018

Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Donnelley family for the loss of your beloved Jim. May the depth of your faith and the love of those who also share your loss comfort you. - 1 Thessalonians 4:14

Jan & Fred Clarke

September 30, 2018

"Jimmy D" was both a mentor and a friend. He was a true inspiration and fusion of positive attitude with brilliant business mind. It was always a highlight to dine with him over the years while in Chicago after we departed from RR Donnelley. We will miss him so very much and our deepest sympathy goes to Nina and the Donnelley family. Jan & Fred C

Z L

September 30, 2018

My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.

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