James E. O'Donnell, Jr.

James Edward O’Donnell, Jr., born October 17, 1934, went to be with God on March 3, 2020. Jim was born in Teaneck, NJ to Mabel Rosamond Kelly and James Edward O’Donnell, Sr. The youngest of three sons, he is now reunited with his brothers Joe and Bernie. Jim joined the Army National Guard in July 1950 and the United States Marine Corps in March 1951 until April 1960. He served in Korea from 1953 to 1955 and traveled the globe, spending time in Japan, Turkey, Italy and later Germany. After graduating from West Virginia University in 1962 he attended Georgetown University Law Center and completed the New York State Bar in 1969. On June 19, 1965 he married Sieglinda Garfield-Snyder in Boston, MA and they settled in New York City. A loving husband and devoted father to their daughter Victoria, his first concern even in his final illness was always their well-being and comfort.

As his legal career progressed, he continued military service through the Army and the Judge Advocate General quickly attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn and later Queens, NY, Jim retired in 1994. Fueled by a lifetime of colorful experiences he launched an acting career appearing in voice-overs, print ads, television and some short films. He was a proud, active member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Jim was an avid walker and continued to span the city in these pursuits. He became a regimented member of his local gym. He volunteered in schools, reading to young children in the classroom and spending time with patients in an AIDS hospice. His generosity and attentiveness to the needs of others was particularly felt by the homeless individuals he encountered, even to the extent of giving them the coat he was wearing. Reading was another passion for Jim, which he pursued in a characteristically disciplined manner. He believed if something was worth doing, it was worth doing thoroughly. He therefore undertook some of the most academically challenging books in areas of medieval history, Reformation theology and classical philosophy. He read and reread these volumes, adding his own notes to the footnotes, not just once or twice but in many cases three or four times. Raised Catholic, he later became Lutheran and was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Manhattan. His faith in God was strong and enduring through his courageous and inspiring struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Jim was deeply committed to his friends and always wanted to make others smile, especially with his choice of witty t-shirts. He cherished his large, extended family and was a loving, supportive brother, uncle and cousin. Jim was a doting husband and an unwavering champion of his beloved daughter and his son-in-law, Matt. He is very dearly missed. God rest his soul.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, NYC

https://www.immanuelnyc.org/ways-to-g

Due to safety concerns of the coronavirus, the funeral service of James E. O'Donnell, Jr. have been postponed. More information to follow.