James Henry McDonnell

James Henry McDonnell 87, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on September 11, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was the son of the late Kathryn (Worsley) and James McDonnell. A graduate of New Bedford, Massachusetts High School, he left high school in his Junior year and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he returned to New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School in 1947. In 1948, he married his wife, Pearl Louise Best, a marriage that has lasted 65 years. Jim and Pearl moved to Tucson in 2005 to be closer to their three children. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, father and step-mother. He leaves his wife; daughters, Deboragh and Tara and son, James, Jr. He also leaves his sister, Kathryn Modene of Illinois and Bro. Sean McDonnell, OSB of St. David, AZ. Jim enjoyed activities with the 50+ Club at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and the company of his children since moving to Tucson. He was honored to be chosen as one to go on the first Honor Flight Southern Arizona in September, 2011. A Memorial Mass will held in Tucson on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Odilia Church, 7570 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson, 85704. We wish to thank the doctors and staff at the University of Arizona Medical Center for their care during his recent illness. If you wish to honor Jim's memory, please make a donation to Honor Flight Southern Arizona, P.O. Box 32649, Tucson, AZ, 85751, or HonorFlightSAZ.org. Arrangements by HASEN MORTUARY.