James F. Donahue

Retired NYPD, Navy veteran, known for his stories and jokes

James Francis Donahue was born in 1935 in Marine Park, Brooklyn. James passed away peacefully on July 5, 2020.

His father passed away when he was a young teen so after high school he joined the US Navy to support his mother. During his time in the Navy he was stationed in Morocco and worked as a seabee.

After serving the Navy, he married his loving and devoted wife Margaret. They moved to Staten Island, N.Y., to settle down and James joined the NYPD in 1957.

After working in the 80 PCT for 10 years, James was promoted to detective and worked in the O.C.C.B. and the Crime Against Persons Squad in Staten Island. He retired from the NYPD in 1979 and worked another 15 years as security for Holland Hook Seaport before retiring for good.

James was an avid golfer and apart of the Holy Name Society for St. Sylvester's Church as well as Veterans of Foreign War US and Emerald Society.

Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family, telling his countless stories and his hilarious jokes.

James was predeceased by his sons, James Jr. and Michael. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret; sons, Timothy Donahue, Thomas Turner and his daughter Margaret Donahue Turner; his sister, Marie Ramos; grandsons, Michael (Tammy) Donahue, Thomas (Evelyn) Daniel and Michael Turner, and Brian Donahue; granddaughters, Alison (Sean) Del Duca, Colleen (Brent) Abruzzo and Olivia Turner; seven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services for James will be held at Casey Funeral Home Wednesday, July 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass will be held for James at St. Sylvester's Church on Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m.