James E. McDonnell, Jr., age 72 of Sandwich, died Saturday October 29, 2011 at Baypointe Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. He was the beloved husband of Ann D. (Walsh) McDonnell for 49 years. Jim was born and raised in Boston, son of Irish immigrants, the late James E. and Mary (Campbell) McDonnell. He graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1957. Jim and Ann retired to the Cape in 1999, having previously lived in Brockton and Easton.
Jim enjoyed a 36 year career with the local telephone company, starting with New England Telephone and retiring in 1998 from AT&T. He earned his associate degree from Massasoit Community College. Jim always loved to travel, and in recent years spent winters in Palm Harbor, Florida. Known for his warmth, sense of humor and love of a good story, Jim also enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing and painting. A true family man, Jim was happiest spending time with his family, especially his three grandchildren, and always looked forward to big family gatherings in the holidays.
In addition to his wife Ann, he is survived by his three devoted children Annmarie Tatelbaum and her husband David of Sandwich, Jim McDonnell of London, England and Brian McDonnell and his wife Julie of Niskayuna, New York. He was the cherished grandfather of Julianne Tatelbaum, Brendan McDonnell and Ella Cate McDonnell. Jim dearly loved his siblings: his twin brother John McDonnell and his wife Kathy of Stoughton, Eileen Shackley and her husband George of Medfield, Mary Giampietro and her husband Warren of Norwood, Michael McDonnell and his wife Judy of Dedham and the late Patricia Oginski wife of Edward of Norwood. He also leaves numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St. (Rte 123) Brockton, Tuesday 5-8 pm. The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:30 am, followed by a funeral Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church at 10:30 am. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Jim’s name to Lighthouse Hospice Foundation(www.tlhospicefoundation.org.)