James F. Donnelly's Obituary
James F. Donnelly age 95 of Spring Lake, son of Edward and Edith, peacefully passed away with his forever dedicated and loving wife of 68 years, Teresa by his side, January 26th, 2023. Preceded by his 4 brothers, Bill, Jack, Bob and Tom and sister, Mary. Jim was the proud Father of four children, two daughter’s and two son’s and the proud grandfather to 7 and great grandchildren 2. Daughter, Karen and husband, Bob Dellinger of Grand Blanc, daughter, Kim Donnelly of Flushing, grandsons, Will Mason, Ryan and wife, Leshay Mason, great-grandchildren, Marissa and Malachi Mason. Son, Jim and wife, Kim Donnelly of Florida, granddaughter, Emma and grandson, Tyler Donnelly. Son, Kevin and granddaughters, Kinzey, Kayla and grandson, Ian Donnelly of Spring Lake. Many nieces and nephews who he loved and cared about very much, and countless friends that he always kept close to his heart and fresh in his stories!
Regardless of the situation, day of the week, rain or shine, our Dad lived each day with immense gratitude. Searching around every corner for opportunities at fun and adventure. He truly lived with an endless positive passion and a relentless enthusiasm. Those that knew him well experienced his positive life force and understand this exactly. What made Dad unique, always shining his light onto others, using his magic to make them laugh, smile and reflect in the moment. He wanted everyone to understand daily blessings, really see the sunset and understand the magic in life’s moments, nothing was ever taken for granted by Dad, grateful for the lessons.
A Graduate of St. Michael’s Flint, Class of 1945, not surprising voted ‘Class Flirt’. A proud member of the US Navy during WWll, nothing was more important than his loyalty to our Country, a perfect reflection of the Greatest Generation. His respect for others led him to a Hall of Fame Sales Career with Buick, always working, he always delivered for his family.
Dad had a passion for the water, lived his dream boating on Spring Lake for the last 25 years. He was an accomplished painter, Award winning competitive runner, enjoyed riding his motorcycle and snowmobile, and especially loved his cherry red, 1966 Convertible Corvette. He lived with an adventurous spirit that took him on a 30-day, 4 man sailing trip in the Caribbean, overnight hiking/camping in the smokies, snorkeling deep reefs, or kayaking for a week down the Colorado River, if it involved adventures, he was all in!
We are forever grateful for all the memories and life lessons he left with us to embrace and carry forward for generations to come. Your smile, wit, stories, sincere laugh and free spirit will forever live in our thoughts and hearts!
Thanks Dad
There will be a mass said in his honor, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake, on March 19, 2023. A celebration of his life is scheduled at a later date, this spring at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Flint. In Lieu of Flowers, Our Mom and Dad would appreciate a donation in his name to, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers and are grateful to all those that shared good times with him. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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