James Patrick Donnelly

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held in Capitola for James Donnelly who passed away peacefully at his son's home in Soquel, California following a lengthy illness. His loving family was at his bedside at the time of his passing. Born in Sioux City, Iowa, "Jim" as he was affectionately known was a talented athlete and graduated from Cathedral High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He served his country in the US Army, and won a boxing title as a member of the Army Boxing Squad. He moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1967. Jim was a respected and devoted counselor, co-founder of the Scott County Alcoholism Research Foundation (SCARF) and SCARF Halfway House. His fifty-five years of sobriety launched a thirty year career in helping people overcome their dependencies and regaining their lives. His work was a testament to his dedication and love for people who were hurting. Jim believed in the power of choice to be better and not bitter, to be a victor and not a victim. Education was the key to a better life and he was a fan of those who chose to "make the grade." Jim was an avid reader with an extensive library of the finest literature. He was a talented Cribbage player which became a frequent family activity. Jim was a "rascal" in the first degree. He was known to confiscate his wife's chocolate chip cookies and he would walk a mile in the snow for Bonnie's chocolate cake! Jim was passionate about his grandchildren and he will forever be remembered as a loving and caring role model to young people. Jim was often "on the go" and he and his wife travelled thousands of miles a year to visit family and friends. Jim spent a lifetime supporting men and women in crisis situations and taught valuable life lessons to those willing to listen. He forged pathways of faith and wisdom and made life easier to travel. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Jo Donnelly, his sons and daughters-in-law: Michael and Susana Donnelly, daughter–in-law Christine Donnelly, Mark and Ercilia Donnelly, Gregory and Lori Donnelly, Phillip and Sonia Donnelly, his daughter Kim and husband Christopher Nimic, Su Ly and husband Brian McGee. Fourteen grandchildren include, Zachary, Joel, Jennifer, Jessica, Kelly, Laura Catherine, Sloan, Mikey, Simona, Marco, Emilio, Spencer, Sydney, Maddie; three great grandchildren, Kyla, Zain and Easton, and many extended family residing in California, South Dakota, and Iowa. One of fourteen children, Jim is survived by his three sisters, Kitty, Annie, and Monica. He was preceded in death by eleven brothers and sisters and his beloved son Vincent, who passed away in 2010. Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Capitola on March 9th at 10:00 a.m. A memorial event is planned for July in Jim's hometown of Davenport, Iowa. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to share online condolences and prayers with the family. If you wish to make a contribution in Jim's memory, please direct your intentions to Mary Jo Donnelly at 3431 Cunnison Lane Soquel, CA 95073.