James E. O'Donnell

LEICESTER: James E. O'Donnell,89, of the Rochdale section of Leicester, died peacefully in his home on Tuesday, March 11th. after a long illness. Jim was born in Dover, NJ., the son of George and Enid (Avery) O'Donnell. He graduated from Leicester High School in 1953 and joined the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. The Marines offered him the opportunity to travel the U.S. and the world, and to attend college through the GI Bill, for which he was most grateful. Jim attended Fitchburg State College where he studied education and technical arts because his father told him teaching was a respectable profession. Jim discovered quickly that he was better suited to teaching mathematics and was genuinely surprised by his love of numbers, which became a life-long passion. Always curious and open to learning, Jim went on to earn a Master's degree from Bridgewater State College and continued his training in mathematics and educational leadership at Boston College and the
College of the Holy Cross. Jim taught in school districts across eastern and central Massachusetts, with significant stints at the former Framingham North High School where he also served as an interim assistant principal, before transitioning to principal of his alma mater, Leicester High School - "The best job I ever had." During his 13 years at LHS, he supported the start of the Advanced Placement Program,
attended countless plays, art shows, and athletic events, and orchestrated the campaign to build a new high school. He was happiest supporting his students, celebrating their accomplishments, and offering guidance through their challenges. Community was very important to Jim and he was dedicated to making Leicester a better place for its residents. Serving on the Leicester School Committee and the Select Board, he was just as happy debating an important issue as he was marching in a parade. However, it is quite possible, Jim's favorite community service was coaching his young daughter's recreation basketball team, leading them to three straight championships. Jim loved being with his wife, children, and grandchildren and sharing with them his sense of adventure. He led family vacations that involved canoeing rapids, camping in the "wilderness," climbing mountains, and participating in marathon whiffle ball games on the beach. Not one to sit still, Jim could often be found on the golf course, skiing in Maine, throwing a baseball, or shooting hoops in the backyard. For all of his accomplishments, his most meaningful experience was sharing a great love with his wife, Pat. Married for almost 67 years, they raised four children, enjoyed twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren. They were partners who faced challenges with determination and grace and accomplishments with joy and gratitude.
Jim had the gift for gab; he was a natural storyteller who could enter a room of strangers and leave with a group of friends. His smiling eyes, easy laugh, and sense of humor will be sorely missed. He leaves his wife, Patricia A. (Larson) O'Donnell, his daughters; Cheryl Klarich and her husband David of St. Louis, MO., Kelly Kennedy of Rochdale and Kathleen O'Donnell and her husband Robert Pomer of Belmont, sisters;
Kathleen Koorbusch of Darien, CT and Elizabeth Boudreau and her husband Roger of Shaftsbury, VT., 12 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son; Michael O'Donnell in 2021, his brother; George O'Donnell and his sister; Ruth O'Donnell. Jim's funeral will be held on Saturday, March 15th. from the MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester with a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Aloysius-St. Jude Church, 489 Pleasant St., Leicester. Calling hours are Friday, March 14th from 4 to 7p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the James E. O'Donnell Scholarship, c/o Pomer, PO Box 72, Belmont, MA 02478.