Search by Name

Search by Name

James A. Donohue

1973 - 2025

BORN

1973

DIED

2025

James Donohue Obituary

James A. Donohue
Born: September 22, 1973
Died: June 4, 2025
James A Donohue, 51, of Ottawa, IL, died on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Mr. Donohue was born in Ottawa, Illinois on September 22, 1973. He is survived by his parents Mary Alyce and Vern Donohue, his sister Michelle Morrow, his brothers Richard Donohue, John Veith, Robert Veith, his daughter Chloe Donohue, his former wife, Amy; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The biggest joy of his life was watching his daughter, Chloe grow up. Being his only daughter, he was fiercely protective yet understanding of her freedom to become a young adult.
James worked within the healthcare industry and was dedicated to helping patients be successful in healing. Helping others came easily and he was there when his family needed him the most.
James loved all sports and every Chicago team. If a Chicago sports team wasn't playing or the fighting Irish, he would cheer for your team.
James was a stranger to no one and if you were his neighbor, count that as a blessing. He is remembered for his kindness and empathetic nature. James died by suicide, after living many years with mental illness. We share this not out of shame, but to shed light on the importance of mental health and to honor his struggle.
His absence will leave an unrepairable void. We will cherish the memories, laughter, and love he brought into our lives. A celebration of life will be held on June 22, 2025 in Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or a suicide prevention charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by My Web Times on Jun. 14, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Donohue

Not sure what to say?





Jolene Kornas

July 4, 2025

I met Jim when he was 5-6 years old. I will always remember the smiling Rosie cheeked boy, who grew up to be a great man. We spoke in January for an hour. We talked about you coming to Wisconsin to visit your Uncle Dan. We were so looking forward to visiting. Jim you will be so missed and are so loved. Rest in peace, until we all meet again.

Polly Jeter

June 25, 2025

Dear Amy and sweet Chloe, my heart goes out to you both. I´m so glad you've chosen to shine a light on mental illness. My family has a history of mental illness as well, and we´ve lost several people to suicide. Sending prayers, love and light your way.

Julie Newhouse

June 17, 2025

Jim was married to my cousin Amy. After their marriage, he helped care for my husband Tracy. We loved and appreciated him. Godspeed Jim.

Sharon and Bob Miller

June 16, 2025

May Jim´s love and memory comfort you.

Fred, Sherri and Juliette Marriott

June 16, 2025

We were Knolls neighbors with the Donohues. I have great memories when I joined Jim and Amy's neighborhood baseball team "Belles & Ballers". It was evident that Jim was kind and had a big heart and absolutely adored his daughter Chloe. My prayers go out to his family. Rest in eternal peace Jim.

Johnna Anzures

June 16, 2025

The Anzures family remembers Jim with fondness, as he was the friend and neighbor in Frisco that always had a smile. We are so sad of his passing, our hearts break for Amy and Chloe. Thank you for sharing his story and keeping mental illness at the forefront, it's so important. We will continue to pray for strength and healing as you move forward.

Lorraine Hill

June 16, 2025

James was a kind, compassionate person. He worked hard and never met a stranger.

Kelly Moritz

June 15, 2025

I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim many years ago. He was such a fun-loving, helpful coworker. I truly enjoyed working with him. It makes me so sad to hear this. May God Bless your family with some sense of comfort and peace while trying to cope with this.

Rene Daniele

June 14, 2025

My condolences to the family. Will be praying for the whole family. I remember when you were younger and we would all play together at family reunions. And swam at Pitsticks at the Donahue, Donohue, and Donohoe reunions. Those days we can't get back. Jimmy you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace cousin.

Brian Holland

June 13, 2025

Jim was a great friend and co-worker. I worked with him at Baylor in Frisco, TX and we had an awesome time together! We were inseparable back then! Sadly, I lost touch with him after he moved to Arizona, but I thought of him often. The last time we spoke there was nothing but love and admiration. Jim, I love you brother! I will pray for your family!

Eric Pacheco

June 13, 2025

Love you Jimbo. Never a dull moment and I pray you can rest peacefully.

Adam Donohue

June 12, 2025

Love you cuz. Rest in peace Jimmy.

Adrianne Rosanova

June 12, 2025

I'm do sorry fir your loss. Prayers and hugs. R.I.P. james.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in James Donohue's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for James Donohue

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Donohue's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more