Donnell

James K. “Jim” Donnell, of Cranberry Township, died on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, one month short of his 91st birthday.

He was the son of Allan Douglas and Anita Rath Donnell. He grew up in Waterloo, Iowa and attended Princeton University. While there, he was in NROTC, graduating as an Ensign USN in 1953, and was a member of a national championship rowing team. This experience culminated in setting a course record at the Henley Royal Regatta in England. He then served two years active duty in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Deuel.

Following service to his country, Jim attended Yale Divinity School, receiving his BD in 1958, and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA. He served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of West Carrollton, Ohio (1958-1972); College Hill Presbyterian Church, Beaver Falls, Pa. (1972-1985); and as associate executive Presbyter for Pittsburgh Presbytery (1985-1997).

Throughout his life, Jim gave generously of his time and talents, serving as a member of the board of education in West Carrollton, Ohio; board of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Dayton, Ohio; board of governors of Three Rivers Rowing Association; board of directors of Western Pennsylvania Support Association of Oikocredit; chairman of Sherwood Oaks Fund, as well as many other volunteer activities including with Princeton and Yale alumni associations.

Jim was blessed with the ability to pursue his passions of reading and traveling. He especially enjoyed annual visits to Madden’s and Gull Lake in Minnesota, where he nurtured his extended family and many longstanding friendships.

Jim was father of Bridget Donnell Newton and her husband, Fredrick W. Newton, of Rockville, Md., Jane K. Donnell and her partner, Roland Moore, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Calvin R. Donnell and his wife, Patricia M. Donnell, of Cranberry Township; stepfather of Thomas Randall Oates and his wife, Joan, of Bridgewater, N.J., Joel Andrew Oates and his wife, Susan, of Cape Coral, Fla., and Andrea McClain and her husband, Lawrence, of New Sewickley, Pa.

He was grandfather of Kyle J. Newton of Washington D.C., Margaret Newton and her husband, Anthony, Boccio of Rockville, Md., Eilish B. Donnell and her husband, Brett Mattson, of Nashville, Tenn., and Liam J. Donnell of Nashville, Tenn.

He was stepgrandfather of Kim Oates Naegely and her husband, Robert, of Towaco, N.J., Megan Oates of Bridgewater, N.J., and Jordan E. McClain of New Sewickley, Pa.

He lived long enough to be enamored with his great-grandson, Brayden J. Boccio.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wives, Barbara Pendleton Donnell (2004), and Sara Oates Donnell (2016); his parents; his brother, John Donnell; and his sisters, Jean Parker and Patricia Cassat.

DONNELL — Family and friends of James K. “Jim” Donnell, who died Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, will be welcome from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME OF CRANBERRY, 2678 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Hwy., Pittsburgh.

One of Jim’s greatest joys was sharing his blessings with others. Accordingly, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Sherwood Oaks Employee Scholarship Fund. Make checks payable to Sherwood Oaks Fund, 100 Norman Drive, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, Attn: Employee Scholarship Fund; or Bridges Hospice, 4130 Monroeville Blvd., Monroeville, PA. 15416 or at https://www.bridgeshospice.org/; or to a charity of your choice.

Please visit www.devlinfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.