James O'Donnell

James Anthony "Jim" O'Donnell was born on May 24, 1915, in Los Angeles, California to Anthony and Mamie Bloemer O'Donnell. Jim was the oldest of four brothers and one sister. His father was from Ireland and was an accomplished marble setter. Mamie was a restaurant manager and a homemaker. His youngest brother, Anthony "Tony" O'Donnell, is a resident at Summerville, Lakeview Inn. Jim's family moved to Covington, Kentucky, where he went to Business College and worked as a telegraph machine operator for Western Union and Postal Telegraph.

In 1935, Jim joined the U.S. Navy and served for 10 years. He was on aircraft carriers during World War II. He served on the USS Bogue, for which he received a Presidential Unit Citation and a Ribbon Bar with a Bronze Star. He also served aboard the USS Hancock where he received a Navy Unit Commendation ribbon. Jim was also aboard the infamous USS Arizona. His name can be found in several of the historical chronicles published about the men of the USS Arizona. Jim was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1945, having obtained the rank of Chief Fire Controlman.

After his military service, Jim went to work for General Electric as a District Manager. During his distinguished career, he lived in several northeastern states. While in Ohio, Jim owned several boats and ultimately became the Commodore of the Huron Yacht Club at Lake Erie. He entertained many clients aboard his boats. He enjoyed fishing and won several tournaments at Lake Erie and Canada. Jim managed to string 50 consecutive years of fishing trips into the Great White North! On one trip, he caught a Canadian Muskie that weighed 32 pounds and was 51 inches long. On another trip, Jim won an O'Keefe trophy in a local bass tournament for the largest smallmouth bass.

Jim retired from General Electric after 32 years of service. He moved to Naples, Florida, and continued fishing and staying active by participating in many organizations including the Shamrock Club, International Blue Gavel, Coast Guard, U.S. Power Squadron, American Legion, Elks, Moose, a member of the Board of Directors of the USS Arizona Reunion Association, the Irish American Club, Knights of Columbus and the Kentucky Colonels.

Jim was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and was always quick to show his true "green" spirit. On March 17, 1967, the Cleveland, Ohio, St. Patrick's Day Parade was cancelled due to cold weather. Jim would not be dissuaded. He marshaled together a group of fellow, hearty Irish, got an American flag and an accordian player, and started their own processional down Superior Avenue. His efforts made the front page of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Jim had been a resident of the Summerville Inn at Lakeview since 1999.