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JAMES O'DONNELL Obituary
Born May 11, 1930, in Steward, Ill., the son of Walter & Mary (Snyder) O'Donnell, Jim graduated from DeKalb High School class of 1948. He was in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, receiving a Purple Heart. Jim married Anita Clowes on Aug. 28, 1954, in DeKalb. He was a member of the DeKalb Elks Lodge 765. Jim was a sales person for Grumman Transportation, retiring in 1994 after 26 years.
Jim is survived by wife, Anita O'Donnell of Crystal Lake Ill.; four daughters, Patricia (Spencer) Svete of Belgrade, Mont., Pamela (Paul) Pecilunas of Woodville, Wis., Kathleen O'Donnell of Chicago, Ill., and Maureen Cullen of Woodstock, Ill., two sisters, Marie (Clarence) Massier of Sycamore, Ill., and LaVerne Wilson of Mountain View, Calif.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jerome "Bud" O'Donnell; and two sisters, Madolyn O'Donnell and Therese Risley.
Funeral Mass will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at Newman Catholic Student Center, DeKalb, with the Rev. Matthew McMorrow celebrating. Burial of cremains will be at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, DeKalb. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, until service time at the Newman Center.
Memorials can go to DeKalb Public Library.
Arrangements were entrusted to Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home. To send an online condolence, visit www.RonanMooreFinch.com, or for information, call 815-758-3841.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JAMES O'DONNELL
6 Entries
Scott Anderson
July 11, 2012
I was so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. We were boyhood friends from the day they moved to DeKalb, living just two doors away. Jim, and I and Hollies Flusch were never apart, when you saw one of us you saw all of us. My condolences to all of his family. He was one of the best.
Shelley Bostetter
July 11, 2012
Kathy and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, and I'm so sorry that I can't be there with you today. I know you were very close to him and he will be missed by all of you. Your memories of him will be cherished always. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Love you, Kath. xoxo Shelley, Sara & Chris.
July 10, 2012
Kathy, Mo, Pam, Pat, Paul, and Spencer: Since we first formed a life-long friendship some 25 years ago, Kathy, the O'Donnells have always felt like my second family. I am so glad to have known Big Jim. My love to all of you. Katie
July 10, 2012
Many happy memories of Ace. He will be missed. Pur prayers are with you all.
Love, Jim & Carol Massier, Mesa, AZ
JoAnne Sell
July 10, 2012
"Uncle" Jim was a great guy. I'm happy that I knew him and have some good memories of him. My condolences to all the family. With love, JoAnne (Massier) Sell
Julie Buckley
July 10, 2012
Dear Kathy and Family, Just want to let you know Dave and I are thinking of you and your family. We love you so much! I'm hugging you right now.....hope you can feel it. Love, Dave, Julie, and Claire XXXOOO
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