James O'Donnell

1943 - 2015

James David O'Donnell, age 72, passed at home surrounded by family on June 20, 2015. Born on May 30, 1943, the first son of Margaret P. (Marshall) and Raymond L. O'Donnell, he was predeceased by his brothers John J. O'Donnell and Robert F. O'Donnell. James grew up in Roxbury and Houghs Neck; graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in Boston then pursued a life-long career as a compositor for the Boston Globe. He was the husband of Lena A. (Abramo) O'Donnell and the father of Sargeant Major Raymond L. O'Donnell and his wife Michelle, Jeannine F. O'Donnell and her husband Neil, and the late Sean M. O'Donnell. James was Grumpy Grampy to his grandchildren Jerel O'Donnell, Anthony O'Donnell, Jennifer O'Donnell and Sean Themea, as well as, his great-nephew Zachary O'Donnell and step-grandchildren Alanna and Emily Rubin. His great grandson, A.J. Fernandes, son of grandson, Aaron Fernandes, shared his love of turtles. James was well known as OD. He enjoyed walking the Plymouth waterfront, baseball, football, the Chicken Dance, the 4th of July parade, tree climbing, hill rolling & wall walking with his grandkids, Coffee Time, Storyland, Kingston House of Pizza, snowmen, and ice cream cones from Peaceful Meadows. He enjoyed wintering with his wife in Florida, as well as, spending time with friends at his social clubs: the Columbo, Garabaldi, Cold Springs and the Elks. He had a good friend in his buddy Herbie Weston. OD had great respect for veterans; read five newspapers a day and always put the cap on the toothpaste. His favorite pet was Susie the cat. He would always be 29 on his next birthday. OD grew up an avid Yankee Fan even though he worked at Fenway Park as a youngster. As per his wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. His immediate family extends their gratitude to Bill and Jo-Ann Johnson and Eddie and Elaine Harju for their ongoing support and love.