James "Jim" O'Donnell

James (Jim) Edward O’Donnell, 80 of St. Louis, MO, passed away on February 20,2024 in Little Rock, AR where he was in the care of the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

He was born in St. Louis, MO on January 20, 1944, son of the late Edward O’Donnell and Beatrice O’Donnell. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jackquelyn O’Donnell, his sister, Barbara English (Dennis) and his children and stepdaughter, Gregory O’Donnell (Jenny), Kelly O’Donnell and Carrie O’Donnell (Jermey) and Ashley Anderson, his grandchildren, cousins and many friends.  His son preceded him in death, Matthew O’Donnell.  

Jim attended Great Miss High School in Lexington Park, MD.  He enlisted in the Navy-USN on September 27, 1966, where he served his country for four years. During his time of service, Jim had one tour in Vietnam, stationed in Hawaii where he played on the Navy baseball team and stationed in Maryland.   In addition, he was given the National Defense Service Medal for good conduct. After honorable discharge, he became a Fireman until he found his niche in life as a Journeyman carpenter.  As a carpenter, he worked on projects of all sizes. He worked on remodeling homes in Jacksonville, AR to installing giant panes of glass in the Sears Tower building, Insurance Exchange building in Chicago and the Federal Court House in Little Rock, AR.  Jim was a master at his trade.

In his retirement years, Jim refocused his efforts into gardening and being a great neighbor. He was a faithful Catholic who read the bible in the mornings and was seen praying and talking to God in the back yard.  Jim was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and Blues fan.  He loved the Cardinals so much that he purchased season tickets and drove to St. Louis to be with his children and grandchildren during the season.   

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, AR. Reception will follow.