O'Donnell, James G. retired CPD Star 2530, 33 years, USMC. He was affectionately known to many as "The Quiet Man" and "Earthquake". Loving father of Deborah (Daniel) Helfenbein, Eileen (Jack McNicholas, CPD) O'Donnell-McNicholas, CPD and James G. O'Donnell, Jr. Former husband and good friend of Beverly O'Donnell, nee Kaehn. Beloved son of late Delia, nee Lee and Michael O'Donnell, CPD, dear brother of Martin, (late Doris), and late Mary (Jalmar) Pyykola, late Michael (Alba), late Helen (Patrick) Fahey, late John, late Thomas (Josephine), late Bartley and late Delia O'Donnell, fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. St. Patrick High School Alumnus, member of Emerald Society and Ancient Order of Hibernians. Funeral Friday 10:30 a.m., at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave. Interment All Saints Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, 2 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Blvd. Chicago, IL, 60660, would be appreciated. 773-736-3833 or www.smithcorcoran.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tom O'Neill
October 24, 2006
Debbie,
You, Eileen and Jim have my sincerest condolences for the passing of your father. When I was first introduced to him, he stood and we shook hands. My hand disappeared into his. What struck me was the term, “Big Fella," with reference to the great Irish patriot, Michael Collins. Good memories.
"Ar deheis D'e go raibh a anam."
May he rest in peace.
EILEEN O'DONNELL
August 16, 2006
Dad,
I Miss you SOOOOO much!
Eileen
XOXOXO
Eileen O'Donnell-McNicholas
July 31, 2006
Hi Dad,
I am thinking of you and hope you are at peace.
Love You,
Eileen
FRED JANTKE
July 30, 2006
EILEEN AND FAMILY
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
EILEEN O'DONNELL-Mc NICHOLAS
July 29, 2006
Dad,
The Quiet Man,
Earthquake,
Mr. Picnic,
and my personal favorite – Crotchedy Old Goat.
You were my father, my hero and my best friend,
Although we have lost you, it’s not the end.
I followed your footsteps into the Chicago Police,
Trying to live up to your reputation and keep the peace.
2530 was our star – I’ve never been more proud,
Than the day they told me that getting your star was allowed.
Your famous last words were, “I’m going the other way”,
This time you’ve really done it – I am sorry to say.
You left a lifelong impression on many folks,
We will miss your sarcasm and your jokes.
Your health was failing and you still took care of us,
You never stopped giving – to you, it was a must.
As you now have entered the pearly gates,
Good health and no more pain, is what awaits.
We miss you so much, I can not convey,
How badly my heart is broken on this day.
I long to meet you up in heaven,
Together, we’ll have a Jim Beam, or two or three or seven.
I love you Dad!
Eileen
Edward Koop
July 27, 2006
Eileen and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of your father. He was always a gentleman and a great guy to work with. I'll always have fond memories of him.
LOUIE & ROSE MARRON
July 27, 2006
EILEEN AND FAMILY,
LOUIE AND I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND TO YOU OUR HEARTFELT DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL. KNOW THAT YOUR DAD WILL BE MISSED GREATLY BY US. HE WAS A GREAT PERSON AND WE ENJOYED HAVING HIM AS A NEIGHBOR,
ALTHOUGH IT WAS FOR TOO SHORT OF A TIME.I WILL GREATLY MISS HIS DAILY WALK OUT BACK.OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU AND ALWAYS REMEMBER WE ARE HERE FOR YOU IF YOU NEED ANYTHING.
OUR LOVE LOUIE AND ROSE MARRON
Mike Kessler
July 26, 2006
Debbie & Eileen & Jim - My favorite memory of your dad was when he told me that I talked too much in the Newark Nook and Dan Helfenbein quickly said that I talk for a living but your dad quickly replied "not here you don't."
Sharon Reininger
July 26, 2006
Eileen and Family,
Our deepest condolences to you on your loss. We have many fond memories and stories of your dad and our's. God bless you and your family in your time of need.
The Reininger's
John Resch
July 26, 2006
Rest in peace Hibernian brother as you join St. Patrick in heaven.
Pat McKenna
July 26, 2006
Eileen:You and Youre Family Have My Deepest Sympathy,Youre Father Was A Great Man And A Wonderful Friend,He Will Surely Be Missed..
Pat McKenna (Ret.019th Dist}
Bob Schwind
July 26, 2006
I extend my condolences to the O'Donnell family and all those who knew "big Jim". I was truly saddened to learn of his passing. I worked with Jim in 020 for over 12 years and always knew that "big Jim" had my back without saying anything. I will keep Jim in my prayers, he was a good man and partner.
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Funeral services provided by:
Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home6150 North Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646

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