James Donnell Konkel

James Donnell “Jim” Konkel of Scarborough, Maine passed away on September 27, 2022 in Houston, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Susan Konkel, father, Harry Konkel, and his beloved sister, Susie Konkel. He was predeceased by his mother, Susan Donnell Konkel.

Jim was born on February 27, 1962 in Long Beach, California. As a result of his father having been an officer in the United States Navy, he lived in many places throughout the country prior to his father’s retirement as a captain. Jim graduated from Maine’s Gould Academy in 1981 and went on to Weber State College in Utah receiving a BS in History with minors in photography and anthropology. He moved to Maine in the 1980s where he lived until his death.

Jim was heavily involved in the Portland, Maine community serving as a Trustee of the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) for 18 years, a Presidents Council member, and subscriber, as well as a dear friend of the PSO. He served on the 100th Anniversary Planning Committee, as a board member, chaired the Crescendo Endowment Campaign, co-chaired the 90th Anniversary Gala activities, and served on their executive committee. He was instrumental in bringing the Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club to the Symphony and was delighted that President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara joined the audience for the evening and sat with Jim’s father, Harry. Looking to the future he supported the “Instrument Petting Zoo”, a program designed to expose young people to musical instruments for the first time. His behind-the-scenes efforts in support of the PSO staff was significant. Jim was also a supporter of the Portland Museum of Art and the Portland Stage Company.

In 1989 Jim began volunteering for Ducks Unlimited (DU), the largest non-profit conservation organization in the world. He was committed to wetlands conservation from the time he learned about it from his revered grandfather, James C. Donnell, who was active in the organization and a significant supporter. Jim served DU nationally and internationally on many levels. At his passing he was on their Emeritus Board and was a trustee of their Wetlands America Trust. He had held board positions with Ducks Unlimited Canada while also serving or leading many DU committees, groups, and events. He was also a regular presence at many functions throughout the United States and Canada. He was the Chairman of the DU National Shooting Committee and enjoyed participating in the Shot Show in Las Vegas as well as coordinating and participating in the “Ducks in the Desert Continental Shoot” that followed.

In a tribute to Jim, Ducks Unlimited wrote “His love for DU directly influenced the organization’s conservation mission and success, and his continued support for all things DU across North America was widely celebrated.” DU’s CEO said of him, “We will forever be grateful for the friendship, service, and philanthropy he regularly extended to Ducks Unlimited. Jim was a true champion of our conservation mission and had genuine affection for everyone in Ducks Unlimited.”

He lived in Scarborough, Maine, with his wife Sue Konkel, his amazing dogs (his description), Standard Poodles, Keeva and Beau; Min Pin mixes (courtesy of the Animal Refuge League of Portland who brought them in from Oklahoma), Murphy and Dobbie. Jim and Sue supported the local fire and police department and on one occasion donated a house, which stood on their property to be used as a training site for Scarborough fire fighters. They have been significant supporters of the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.

Jim was an all-around sportsman who particularly loved fishing and bird hunting. He went on many trips with friends, hunting and fishing and enjoying the wilderness. For 28 years he spent two weeks every summer at Mission Lodge in Alaska enjoying the beauty and the wildlife while fishing in pristine rivers.

He will be sorely missed by his family, his DU family, his community, and a close-knit group of friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098 (ARLGP.org), Ducks Unlimited, Inc. One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120 (Ducks.org) and /or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Portland Country Club, 11 Foreside Rd, Falmouth, ME, Friday, November 4th, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.