1951 - 2023
1951 - 2023
Obituary
Guest Book
1951
2023
JAMES J. McDONNELL JR.
JANUARY 10, 1951 - FEBRUARY 22, 2023
McDonnell James J.“Jim” Jr. passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family February 22, 2023. Jim is survived by his devoted and loving wife Regina “Jeanie “ (nee Neveil) of 51 years. Loving father of James J. III and Andrea (Kilpatrick), Mark and Kim (DeBolt), Amy and Kevin Schmanek, Lori and Mike Gozzi and Brian and Melissa (Moratti). Doting Pop of Brittney, Delaney, Lauren, Mark, Michael, Jimmy, Kaylee, Emily, Sha, Kevin, Matthew, Anthony, Frankie, Riann, Quinn, and Brian.Also survived by his sister Carol (late Ron) Flemming and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was a proud graduate of Northeast Catholic High School Class of 1969. Following his graduation, he began his 42-year career as an Ironworker for local 401. Jim spent an uncountable amount of years volunteering for Torresdale Boys Club and NESAC; coaching and mentoring the children of his neighborhood. Everyone was always welcome in his home and he had a consistent open door policy. His family and friends and the Philadelphia Phillies were the highlights of his life. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met and will be sorely missed.
Relatives friends and members of Ironworkers Local # 401 are invited to attend his viewings Friday evening February 24, 2023, 6:00pm at the Edward J. Petner Funeral Home and Saturday morning February 25, 2023 9:30am to 11:15am at St Katherine Siena Church 9700 Frankford Ave Phila. PA, 19114, followed by his Mass of Christian Burial 11:30am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers family would greatly appreciate donations in Jim’s memory to be made to:
JIM McDONNELL JR.MEMORIAL BATTING CAGES AT TORRESDALE BOYS CLUB
Donations may be made by check payable to:
Amy Schmanek 8053 Cresco Ave. Phila PA. 19136
or by clicking the link below
https://torresdaleboysclub.sportngin.com/register/form/461727032
Please follow link for Jim’s Memorial Video provided by Reilly - Rakowski Funeral Home
https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/MNF3GKB5PTP2WBCB
Services conducted by The Edward J. Petner Funeral Home and Reilly - Rakowski Funeral Home
June 12, 2023
So sorry for the Families Loss. You are in my thoughts and Prayers , Jim was a good man who was a fun guy to work with and be around. RIP my Friend. George "COLLFER" Cole IW Local 401
Bill and Joyce Osborne
March 5, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Carol Flemming
March 1, 2023
McDonnells as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Of which you have many. My memories of my baby brother are different and few know them. Like the time he was 3 and decided to iron my blouse and burnt it....goodbye blouse. He was in my wedding. So much more. I cannot believe I kissed him goodbye....should have been other way around. For the rest of my days I will be missing and thinking of him. I knew he was a good guy.....with all that I have read and heard in the past days, he walked on water.....as well he should. Goodbye for a while Jimmy.....see you later. LOVE YOUR SISTER. Just the two of us until you met Jeannie who became your forever soul mate.
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Irene Clapp
February 26, 2023
So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was truly a great guy. Praying for Jeanie and all his family.
Janice Donofrio
February 24, 2023
Jimbo, I am so glad we have known each other. You were one of nicest guys I ever met (for a Kensington boy - haha). You will be missed by so many.
Rose Rossi Devine
February 24, 2023
My heart breaks for Jeanie, the McDonnell and Neveil families. Jimbo was was one of the good guys.
Ray Casey
February 24, 2023
Jim was a great man and friendly to everyone who knew Him Jim did a great job coordinating boys basketball @ Torresdale B C & NESAC
I was honored to be His friend God Bless you Jim
Jim and Kelly Matthews
February 24, 2023
Jeanie and family,
We are so sorry to hear the very sad news. Jim was a wonderful man. Always good times with him. We are going to miss him. Our deepest sympathy, love, and support to all of you.
Love, Jim and Kelly Matthews
Karen and Dennis Fox
February 24, 2023
Dennis and I would like to express our sincere condolences. We were so lucky to have known Mr. McDonnell. I think its safe to say from both of us, one of the first things we think of when we think of Mr. McDonnell is baseball! The Phillies!! Baseball season will soon be upon us and I know he will be shining down. Jim will be missed so dearly by so many. We are thankful we had the chance to get to know him and grateful to be friends of the family.
Terri Navarro
February 24, 2023
Jim, I don’t even know what to say as we will all miss you so much. You’ve helped me through some really rough times.
You’ve been a great brother in law and friend and I love you dearly. Please say Hi to Frank for me and know that you’re never far from our thoughts and always in our ♥ hearts. Love you Jimmy!
Gertrude crowther
February 23, 2023
So very sorry for your loss
May he rest in peace
Eileen Blair
February 23, 2023
Jimbo McDonnell is unforgettable for so many reasons. What a legacy he has left for everyone who knew him.
When I heard of Jimbo's passing, I heard Frank Sinatra singing "he did it his way"...and he did!!! My first memories of meeting him and his posse all took place at Templin's or Kilroy's Beer Distributor, both located at Tulip & Cumberland Streets. What a cast of characters collected at that intersection. Jimbo of course, was always cast as the Director of our Story. He was always present and never shy about sharing his thoughts...
So many years later, Jimbo is still loved and admired by all his oldest friends. In my book, that's pretty remarkable. Its been great knowing you, Jimbo. LOTSA LUV, your old friend, Eileen.
Kathleen Ligato DeSantis
February 23, 2023
Rest in peace Mr. McDonnell Prayers and love to your family
Melissa Caporale
February 23, 2023
I love you guys so much. Uncle Jimmy was always one of my favorite uncles, he always had my back. I'm thinking of you all.
Maryann Warrington
February 23, 2023
Jeanie and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss! Jim was such a great guy who will be sorely missed. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. "Our loved ones never truly leave us, they leave pieces of themselves in each of us!" God Bless, Bruce and Maryann Warrington
Sean Taggart
February 23, 2023
Thank you for all the time you put into guys like me at T.B.C . Rest easy Coach !
John Greene
February 23, 2023
Jeanie & Family: I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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6421 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19135
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