James Donegan Obituary

How can I ever forget dear Jerry Donegan, the Judge! A delightful, brilliant man who had a great
wit and ever so enjoyable to spend time with.

I will never forget Jerry Donegan. A Prince of a Man - one who was devoted to his friends, always
smiling - so pleasant and brillant and fun to be with. A great loss to many friends who gathered
at the Butch McGuire's Irish Bar - 20 West Division in the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's. Condolences
again to the Snows.

WISH YOU WERE STILL PRESIDING IN COURT.

It is hard to believe that our darling Judge "Jerry" Donegan has been gone a year March 4. He is very missed. I think of him often, missing him at the Butch McGuire's Christmas party and just chatting on the phone. We always greeted one another on St. Patrick's Day. With love and affection dear Jerry - someday we will see one another again. Love, Nancy Stewart

I worked with Jerry in the Corporation Counsel's office in the early 1960's. He was a friend and mentor when I was a young assistant there. Most of all, he was a great guy. Even later on, when he became a judge, he never failed to stop and talk when we met. He was always interested in what I was doing. I only had the pleasure of appearing before him twice,but on those occasions, he was kind and considerate. I was away when he died, so I just learned of his passing. He will be missed by all.

My condolences to Jerry's family. We were boyhood friends going back 65yrs to A.O.Sexton Grammer School.He would always stop in to talk and I will miss our visits.He was such a nice guy.
Melvin Potash

Judge Donegan:
A genuine class act and a warm dear friend.
Every summer we'd argue why/why not ride the RAGBRAI(?)
Jerry has filled my life with so many stories that I expect will live long in their telling.

My deepest sympathy goes to Jen and her family. A hug and a prayer for all of you.

My deepest consoldences to his friends, family and colleagues as we mourn the loss of a very intelligent, dedicated, and insightful jurist. May God hold him in the palm of his hand for all eternity.

He was there for so long, and gave so much, always with enthusiam, a smile, and a twinkle in his eyes. Now we can see how much we have lost. He was a tremendous friend to my father and a thoughtful advisor to me. Our family will always be grateful for knowing such a giving and kind person. Our prayers are with his family and friends at this time of great loss.

I will always miss Judge Donegan and keep him forever in my heart. I always loved his sense of humor and wit. I always enjoyed the expressions he came up with. He's a great guy and will be forever remembered by everyone he knew. I am glad I had the chance to know him. I am also glad to be his clerk for the two wonderful years.

I will miss Judge Donegan greatly; it was always fun to practice before him. My deepest sympathies to his family.

It was such an honor and a pleasure to appear before Judge Donegan. He will truly be missed.

It was always a pleasure to work with Judge "Jimmy G" Donegan. He always made working fun. He will be missed.

A great loss to all who knew him. My prayers to the family. I will always have fond memories of our association.

Judge Donegan shall be missed by his legal family. His passing is the passing of an era of icons which exemplified justice, courage, wit and wisdom; more importantly, Jerry always exhibited the essence of humanism in the court room. While we shall greatly miss him, a corner of Heaven shall have some interesting political arguments with a twinkling eye emanating from a lovely spirit.

Judge Donegan was a jurist with a unique approach to the law. Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

Jerry was one of the kindest, dearest, nicest men I have known. I am so sorry he is gone. A wonderful friend from the 60's, before Butch's, when we could have dime beers at Merchelle's. Farewell dear Jerry. Hold a bar stool for me!

We'll miss you "Daddy Jerry"! Thanks for a lifetime of great memories and for being such a great dad to Jen and all of us kids.

We have such fond memories of
"The Judge" on our many biking adventures. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ron and Kim Smith

Jerry Donegan, my dear old friend, rest in peace.

Jerry was a great friend to our entire family. His presence will be missed by all of his, especially our husband and father, Ed. Thanks for all of the kindness and laughter!

Dawn and Ed Diedrich, Jean Diedrich, Rebecca Diedrich Smith, Jennifer Diedrich, Trina Diedrich, Heidi Diedrich and Kathryn Diedrich Schafermeyer.

From all of us at Beermann Swerdlove, our deepest condolences for the loss of an honored member of our bar who truly loved a good legal argument!

With a friendship going back many, many years, I am a loss for words. I have memories with Jerry going back to Rush Street, Old Town and the Art Fair, the alley garage times, the bike rides, and much, much more. So long, Jer.

I am so sorry about Jerry. He was probably one of the best natured man I ever knew. I worked with him in the 2nd district and we had many laughs and great times. The judge will be surely missed by all.
Carol (DeVito) Thors

A good friend, a great guy to bike and hang out with, and a good man.

My deepest condolences on the passing of Judge James G. Donegan. He will be greatly missed.

My deepest sympathy for the loss of a good man and long-serving jurist who had compassion for the law. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Judge Donegan was a dedicated and compassionate public servant who will be missed by all who knew him.

Warm and giving, wise and judicious with a strong love of justice, we will miss you! May the road rise up to meet you...

Judge Donegan was a great man. I will miss him very much. My family and I will keep him in our prayers.

Jerry was a good friend and I will miss him very very much.

With fondest memories of my many bike rides with Jerry. My best wishes to his family in enduring this sadness.