He was born in Syracuse, New York, on January 14, 1933, the oldest son of Mary (Murray) and James C. Donnelly. He attended St. Anthony’s, Cherry Road and Solvay High Schools.
At a young age he became an avid sportsman. He was most happy being in nature and hunting for pheasant, quail and partridge with his mentor and best friend, his Uncle Patrick J. Murray, and their German Pointer dog “lightning”. Together they enjoyed fishing for trout in the beautiful streams of Central New York, but their fondest place was in the Adirondacks at Ausable Chasm, the Oswegatcie River and Cranberry Lake. They would spend hours together creating fishing flies and collecting lures.
His uncle, Patrick Murray went on to become a tank commander under General Patton in the 20th Armored tank division. He and his division liberated Dachau Concentration Camp. He was decorated with two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, France’s Croix De Guerre, Victory Medal and the European Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
Jim, emulating his Uncle, chose a military career. He joined the Air Force and was with the Strategic Air Command (SAC). He flew in B52 bombers and completed 103 missions over Vietnam and Korea. He was also decorated for his military service with many medals, including the Airman Medal of Distinction for meritorious duty. He was a true patriot who served his country honorably and with great love.
His travels were worldwide and during his career he was stationed at many airbases in the states of Texas, California and New York. His last assignment was Loring Air Force base in Limestone, Maine.
Upon his retirement he and his wife Anita decided to stay in Maine because of the beauty of the state. It was reminiscent of the Adirondacks he so loved. They had a home in Presque Isle and built a camp on Lake Baskahegan. The family enjoyed many years there fishing and hunting, not just for deer, but also for moose and bear.
Jim delighted in his Irish roots and recently helped to complete a book on ancestral Donnelly history, dating back to 1786 in Curry, Strokestown, Ireland.
Jim was a man of great strength, courage and determination. He loved people. His presence, his smile and his laughter filled the room. He was generous to a fault, kind beyond measure and compassionate to those in need. The door was always open and his light was always on. Jim was well known for his delicious Maine Lobster dinners. A true treasure, he was dearly loved and he will be greatly missed by all his many friends, family and especially his children, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Anita (Ferland) Donnelly in 2001 and his brother Charles Kerry Donnelly in 2003.
He is survived by his three children: Arthur (Christine) of Mapleton, Oregon; Patricia Drake and Terrence (Margaret) Donnelly of Presque Isle, Maine. His grandchildren: Justin (Kaitie Ann) Donnelly, Amy (Jeremy) Guerrette, Billie Jo (Ross) Allen, Kathryn Drake, Cameron Donnelly and Lucas Donnelly. Great grandchildren: Ryan, Payton, Haven and Kinsley. His brother-in-law, William (Diane) Ferland. His sister Joan Marcoccia Coates of Skaneateles, New York and sister-in-law Patrica A. Donnelly of Syracuse, New York. His Dear Friends; Robin and Dean Doody, Carla Page. Nieces and Nephews: Elizabeth (Stephen) Ramsey, George (Christina) Marcocccia, Meg (Steven) Oates, Amy E. Donnelly and James W. (Jennifer) Donnelly.
He will be laid to rest with full Military Honors alongside his wife, Anita, in Presque Isle, Maine.
The Donnelly family wishes to acknowledge and express their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at the A.R. Gould Hospital, ICU unit in Presque Isle and the Northeastern Maine Center Hospital, ICU unit in Bangor for their care and kindness not only to Jim but to his loving family.
Donations in Jim’s honor may be made to the disabled American veterans at https://secure.dav.org
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.