James J. O’Donnell

O?Donnell, James J.
Born to eternal life on August 9, 2010, at age 91. Beloved husband of Margaret M. Kortsch for 62 years. Cherished father of seven children: James P. Susan Henzl of Nashua, NH, Kevin M. of Greendale, WI, Margaret A. of Milwaukee deceased, Paul J. Judy Powers of Bethesda, MD, Mary Ellen David Ferrie of Milwaukee, Norah E. of Chicago, IL, and Ann Mary Charles Kendrick Norman, of Marietta, GA; grandfather of Tyler Kim and Jonathan Reiter, Daniel Megan, Michael Katie, and Patrick O?Donnell, Brian and Katherine O?Donnell, Sarah, Caitlin, and Wilson Norman; great-grandfather of Madison and Billie Margaret Reiter, and Nicholas and Christopher James O?Donnell. He is also survived by his sister, Marion Eldredge as well as many nephews, nieces, and special friend Leah Lampone. He is predeceased by his wife Margaret, his parents, James J. and Margaret Mary McIntyre, and his brothers Lawrence and William F. O?Donnell

James was a graduate of Gesu Grade School, West Division High School, and a proud alumnus of Marquette University and its law school

His was a life of service, to his country, aboard the USS Effingham during World War II, and to his native city, first as an assistant district attorney and then for many years as Deputy Corporation Counsel for Milwaukee County, where he worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for Milwaukee?s residents.

Most of all, his life was dedicated to his large family, for whom his integrity, moderation, and good humor provided a model for their lives and whose successes come from the life lessons he taught them, directly and indirectly, as children and adults.

James loved travel, all sports, particularly thoroughbred horse racing, evenings spent reading every word of the newspaper, and big family dinners. He loved a good laugh and his frequent puns would elicit laughs and groans in equal measure from his children and grandchildren sitting around the table.

He will be remembered for a rich and well-spent life, one that has inspired three generations of his descendents. His laughter, love, and support will be sorely missed by all of us.

Special thanks to his caregivers: Kris and Dariusz, Bridget O?Donnell, Tyler Reiter, Tamila, and the nursing staff at West Allis Memorial Hospital for their many kindnesses to James.

Funeral services are at St. Mary?s Catholic Church of Hales Corners, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., on Friday, August 13. Visitation will be held in the Gathering Space of the church starting at 10:00, followed by a funeral mass at 11:30. Burial will take place at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of his daughter Margaret should be made to the Wisconsin chapter of the ALS Association, c/o Heritage Funeral Home.

HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME
Altstadt-Tyborski-
Johnson-Reiss-Klemmer
4800 S. 84th St. Greenfield, WI 53228
414-281-5533
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