Obituary: Donnelly, James

DONNELLY,
James
(Age 87)

James was born August 5, 1928 to Owen and Margaret Donnelly in Glasgow, Scotland.

He passed away February 9, 2016 in Spokane.

Known as Jim by his family and friends he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle who always put others first.

Jim served in the British Royal Air Force from August, 1946 to August, 1948 serving both in England and Germany.

After serving, he enjoyed identifying the planes in the sky.

Jim worked as an auto painter for various places.

Jim did his apprenticeship in Glasgow and continued in that line of work in Spokane.

Jim came to Spokane in 1954 becoming a U.S. Citizen in 1959 which he was very proud of.

Jim enjoyed speed skating (in Scotland), playing cards, golf and photography.

Jim also enjoyed snow skiing at Mt.

Spokane which he introduced to his daughter and son at an early age which included night skiing.

Jim was a regular at Riverfront Ice Palace where he enjoyed ice skating.

After coming to Spokane Jim played recreational hockey where he met a few of his lifelong friends.

Jim was an avid fisherman; you could find him on Lake Coeur D’ Alene or other Northwest lakes catching what he called “Whoppers”.

Devoted Christian, Jim was a member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

Jim is survived by wife, Eleanor of 55 years; daughter Denita; son Owen (Ginny); grandchildren, Matthew, Melanie and Richard; step-grandchildren Derrick (Shawna), Carrisa (Christian) and Dustin (Megan); step-great-grandchildren Chloe, Caleb, Carson and Abigail; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews in Spokane, Minnesota, England, Scotland, and Switzerland.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and three brothers.

Jim will be remembered for his positive attitude, smiles, jokes, and many sayings.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the church or charity organization of choice.

Visitation will be at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 4320 S. Conklin St., Spokane WA 99203 on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 10am followed by a funeral service at 11am, with Pastor R. Tinetti officiating.