Kelly James "Kj" Donoghue

Kelly James "KJ" Donoghue, son of the late James Avery "Jay" Donoghue and Joan Davis Donoghue, of Pylesville, MD, and twin brother of Ryan Avery Donoghue, passed away in his sleep of natural causes on March 16, 2025. KJ was born on Tuesday, September 25, 1984, in Silver Spring, MD.
After attending Fishburne Military School and Springbrook High School, he studied at Montgomery College until 2005 and in 2013 earned a Permaculture Design Certificate from the Permaculture Project LLC, a study which focused his passion for sustainability, self-sufficiency, and ethical land use and resource management.
A carpenter and woodworker by trade, KJ was a devoted son, visiting often to help renovate his grandparents' 1921 Craftsman house as his parents' retirement home. In later years he completed endless projects, always filling the house with his energy, optimism, and unforgettable smile.
KJ's passion to join a community to improve his world started in 2010 with Pick Up America (PUA), a group which traveled coast to coast sponsoring local ecological events and working with the PUA team doing the hard hands-on work of picking up and bagging 200,000 pounds of litter along 3,672 miles of highway between events. When the team bus broke down, he could often fix it himself.
He will be remembered fondly by hundreds as a designer and builder at Burning Man events, leading a team to assemble the 5-storey Sky Bar and other structures at various events around the country.
KJ became a true citizen of the world on his first trip to Ukraine in 2023, volunteering to deliver humanitarian aid from Romania to war-ravaged parts of the country. He returned to Ukraine again last year to lead a team of volunteers from around the world, most of whom had never used power tools, to rebuild a village. On one of his Facebook videos from Ukraine, he is heard saying, "Don't show this to my mom because she will hear the bombs dropping." He planned to return this spring, but God called him home early.
KJ was a gifted builder and woodworker, leaving behind hundreds of structures and furnishings. He was an even more gifted builder of community and friendships, clearly expressed by many of these friends from around the world who wrote tributes to him on his Facebook page.
The DC Burning Man Community held an Irish Wake/Memorial Event in Middleburg, VA on April 5th. A Christian Celebration of Life will be held on May 17th at Fawn Grove Community Church, 67 South Main Street, Fawn Grove, PA. 17321.
The comments below are representative of the more than 100 Facebook messages from friends who feel his loss deeply:
"You built things. Things that lasted-homes, friendships, moments, memories, and communities. Your rough hands were somehow always among the gentlest. Like your smile. You always gave more than you took, worked harder than anyone, and yet still found the time to play even harder. You packed bags without hesitation, and frequently travelled months and miles to lend your hands, your time, your heart, your passion, your skills and your love.".Doug Sanford
"You were unequivocally one of the most sweet, empathetic, giving, deeply kind-hearted men I have ever known..contrary to your Cowboy appearance, you walked through the world softly, doing something kind for someone else nearly every time I saw you You built a life that mattered. Flawed, wild, selfless, unforgettable. And we are all better because of it..".. Sarah Groomay
"KJ, you were so kind and thoughtful to anyone who needed it. You were such an amazing artist, adventurer, builder, and all around friend to anyone you came in contact with..I love you brother, and I will miss you!!!!".Johnnie Collins
"You embodied an energy like no other, KJ Donoghue. You were kind, yet all sassI know where ever you are headed you'll make sure it's a great time. I know I speak for many when I say you are loved and you will be forever missed.".Sonnie Mynatt
"Wherever you are, I hope there are things to build and dogs to play with. Thank you for the privilege of knowing you.". Jay Willoughby
"Pick up artist, trash brother, road dog, friend. Love you forever. We're the lucky ones. Rest in power my friend.".Liz Kramer
" You were truly one of a kind-kind, beautiful, and full of light. The world is a little dimmer without you, and our community has lost one of the greats. I hope you know just how deeply you were loved and adored by so many. Cassandra Angelucci
"You were a builder, an artist, and you showed what we can do if we believe in our dreams..".Alessandro Federici
"KJ your smile lit up this dark place.may you rest easy and may Angels surround the broken hearts of your family and those of us who loved you, brother. All Hail The Traveler.".Lisa McCole
"You have been the most beautiful example of generosity and volunteerism of us all. You lived the life we all aspired to live, Hail to The Traveler and may your journey continue to bring you joy.".Fonda Noel