James (Jim) Robert O’Donnell, age 74, passed away peacefully, after a long battle with chronic pain and health complications. He passed surrounded by his family, at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, MT on November 2, 2019.
Jim was born in Baker, MT June 6, 1945. He was the first child of Robert and Erna (Koenig) O’Donnell. Jim spent his early childhood helping his father and attended the local country school. Later, the family moved closer to town, and Jim and his siblings attended and completed public school. In his high school years, Jim worked at the local Baker Creamery, where he regularly taste-tested the ice cream. He would later tell his grandchildren that he started working at 14 years old. Jim earned the title of Prom King, in 1964. He credited his win to his good looks and school smarts. After graduating in 1964, Jim left for Albert Lee, MN to pursue an education at the Vocational School of Drafting.
In 1966, Jim was drafted into the Army. After his training at Fort Sill, OK, he served in Vietnam. Upon return, Jim decided to continue his education at Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT. He studied Civil Tech Engineering and Surveying. During the weekdays, Jim studied hard, and worked at a local Bowling Alley setting up bowling pins. On the weekends Jim would go out with his friends. On the dance floor, he met the love of his life, Jane.
Jim and Jane were married on August 22, 1970. Jim was offered a position with the Soil Conservation Service in Broadus, MT. They lived in Broadus for nine years and were blessed with two daughters: Jamie and Janelle. The family relocated to Miles City, MT in 1980. A few years later they were blessed with their third daughter, Allison.
Jim worked for the Natural Resource Conservation Service. He was passionate about his job. It combined his favorite elements: the open outdoors and helping others. He enjoyed the day to day challenges of his assignments. Some of his assignments took him to different areas where he used different skill sets. He met many friends during his career. Jim retired after thirty-five years of service with the NRCS. Before he retired from his career, he was in a bicycle accident. The accident left him with chronic pain for the next seventeen years and forced his hand at early retirement. Even in retirement one of his last projects was helping to design and manage a Fish-Bypass at 12 Mile Dam.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors where he spent time hunting and fishing. Both Jim and Jane went on many trips, with friends, to Jan Lake, Canada. He refinished many antiques and liked woodworking. He refinished the Sacred Heart gymnasium floor, which can be found in his man cave. When he wasn’t spending time with friends, family, or his grandchildren, you would find him reading many books, magazines, and local newspapers. Often, Jim was the first to suggest playing cards on holidays and gatherings. He volunteered his time and enjoyed working with the Knights of Columbus
Jim is survived by his wife Jane, of forty-nine years, daughter Jamie Treu (Dean and children Kail, Rylee, and Lauren) of Miles City, MT; daughter Allison Stabio (Matt) of Dayton, OH; brother Raymond O’Donnell (Mary Ann and children Carrie and Kelly) of Glendive, MT; Karen O’Donnell-Davis of Dayton, MT; Susan Cox (Doug and daughter Danae) of Baker, MT.
Jim is preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert and Erna O’Donnell, daughter Janelle O’Donnell, brother-in-law Lou Davis, nephew Robby Cox, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Rosary and Vigil will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Church. Funeral Mass will be Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service at the Parish Hall Center. Burial with Military Honors will be held after the Funeral Mass. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus; 520 Montana Avenue Miles City, MT 59301 and Sacred Heart Parish School; 519 North Center Street Miles City, MT.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
6:00 PM
Wednesday November 6, 2019
Sacred Heart Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 AM
Thursday November 7, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
After Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday November 7, 2019
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
6:00 PM
Wednesday November 6, 2019
Sacred Heart Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 AM
Thursday November 7, 2019
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 North Montana
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
After Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday November 7, 2019
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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LORI Hall says
Im so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing…Lori Hall
BONNIE CURRAN says
I am so sorry for the passing of Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bonnie says
Jane, O, my gosh. I could not believe this when I heard the sad news. We had just talked last week about Jim’s situation and pain. I am so, so sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers and if there is anything I can do, I am here. Jim was such a gentle man and he will be missed by many. God knew and took away the pain Jim was constantly feeling and has given him a new life. I’m sure he is smiling and so happy once more. At your saddest times, remember the sun rises every day. ❤️ Bonnie Boggs.
Helen Rogge says
So very sorry for the loss of JIM, he was a very special guy. My thoughts and prayers go out to all His Family.
Jackie Bremer says
Jane, I’m so sorry to hear of jim passing. Will keep your family in my prayers
Diana Mccurdy Edwards says
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, Jane and girls! You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Hope he meets up w/Victor and Wendy!
Charlee & Justin Kuhbacher says
Janelle is lighting the path for her Daddy…May a 1,000 hugs and prayers hold you all at this time..I send my love to the ODonnell family..
Kevin & Carol Malley says
Jane & Family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss of Jim. May God carry you and hold you close to His Heart during this hard time. Our heartful prayers are with you.
Paula Koenig (cousin) says
So sorry for the loss of Jimmy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Garth Sleight says
I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. We crossed paths over the years, and I always thought Jim was such a nice person. He always had the same smile on his face that is in the picture above. My sincerest condolences to all of Jim’s family.
Diana Stieg says
So sorry to hear about Jim passing.
He was a credit to this community.
Deanna Topp says
Thoughts and prayers in the passing of Jimmy. Many memories while we were growing up. May God keep you tight in his loving arms.
Dee Dee (Hanratty) Topp.
Talana Klungland says
So very sorry to read of this great loss. Jim was a man whom I admired and greatly respected. He taught me so very much, both in the field and in life itself. His smile always made me smile. Thank you Jim O, rest in peace and enjoy your Gaurdian Angel wings in heaven. Prayers, love and hugs to his dear loved ones still here on earth.
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers are out for all of Jim’s family!
Bruce Ingraham says
I’m sorry to here of Jim’s passing. Jim was a good man. Always had a good word to say.
Sandi Kohones says
I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Lots of love being sent your way!
Amber A says
My boys and I could not have been blessed with a better neighbor for the last decade. He did more than share tools but taught us how to use them, he did more than stop and talk, he genuinely listened, and cared enough to ask tough questions. I am forever grateful for his presence in our life during this season. I pray my boys become a man of his caliber and character someday. He invested when he didn’t have to and became the man to go to when ‘manly’ questions came up! He will be greatly missed and we are thankful he is pain free beyond the pearly gates and heard welcome home good and faithful servant.
Delores Cameron says
Jane, thinking of you and your family. May Jim now rest in peace after all the years of pain.
Arnie & Celine Kuntz says
Jane: We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May God bless you and your girls duing this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Robert and Janet Singer says
Jane and family,
Thinking of you all and praying for your strength. Jim was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many.
May your good memories help to carry you through this difficult time.
Ted and Cathy says
Jane & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We thought a lot of Jim. He was such a good person and friend.
Joby Parker says
Dear Jane & family,
Deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Jim. Please know you are all in our prayers. May you have the comfort of knowing he is with our heavenly father.
Bill and Joby Parker
Vicki (Haynes) Larson says
Jane and Jamie,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We sure had good time at the house when Janelle and I were in high school. Jumpin Jim Flash— May he Rest In Peace, pain free, and hug Janelle deeply in everlasting arms
Ve Abrams says
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew him. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this very sad and difficult time.
Monte & Laura Monasmith says
Our prayers are with you all. A good man is a hard loss.
Tracy A Baker says
Jane and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. Our deepest sympathies. .He was such a gentle, nice man. Always so kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
monty erickson says
Jane and family so sad to hear of Jims passing God has a good one such a good man always enjoyed being around him.
God be with you, Monty and Irene Erickson
Jim & Lavina Hall says
I remember Jim as a friendly, outgoing guy riding his bike when the family lived on Montana ave. years ago on my mail route. He always had a positive attitude and you could tell he loved his family very much.
Jennifer Johnsgard says
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was always such a kind man. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Joleyn Larson says
Jane—I will keep close the memories shared in your home when I was younger. Jim was such a kind gentle soul. Always welcoming. May he Rest In Peace. Much love…Joleyn Wambolt Larson
Jerome and Mary Setera says
Sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful person, always ready to help others out when he could. He will be missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord guide you through your loss and may you find support and comfort through the loving concerns of family and friends.
Richard Scheetz says
I got the pleasure of working on numerous projects with Jim over the years at SCS/NRCS. I always respected is experience and learned much from him. He will be missed by many.
Laurel Ovitt says
I worked several years with Jim while stationed in Jordan, MT with SCS/NRCS. I always admired Jim’s great knowledge and learned so much from him. His family and close friends will be in my prayers.
ReNae Grantier says
Jane and Family. I’m so sorry to learn of your loss. I was the SCS/NRCS State Office Engineering Secretary from 1986 to 2016 and talked to Jim on occasion regarding engineering references and project purchases. I remember the engineers letting me know about Jim’s nasty bicycle accident and the pain he endured. I remember he had retired before his time and he was very much appreciated and a knowledgeable Area Civil Engineering Technician. It was a pleasure to work with Jim and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Jim Suit says
I just heard of the loss of Jim. I am so sorry for your family and my prayers are with your family. Jim and I worked together for a couple decades with NRCS. Jim was a great friend and co-worker. He was a joy to be with, both at work and the after hours events. He was greatly respected by his co-workers for his knowledge and ability to apply conservation. I always looked forward to working with Jim and enjoyed our time in the field when in Eastern Montana.
John P Rouane says
Jane and family we are sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to work with Jim in Broadus. It was my first assignment as District Conservationist. Jim, Jane and girls were family for our time together. Jim was a very humble person who was professional in every sense of his life. He will always be remembered in the hearts of those he touched.
ArLynn and Walter Archer says
Jane and family-
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of your time in Broadus and Jim’s kindness to my parents and us. As time passes may the happy memories help and sustain you all.
Ashley Murnion says
Jane, Jamie, & Allison~ So sorry for your loss. Praying that God comforts you in this time of sorrow.
Ashley Murnion
Sandy Erickson says
Jane and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With Sympathy,
Curt and Sandy Erickson
Jan Iverson says
Jane and family,
Jim had such a kind and gentle spirit. His locker was next to mine all through high school and every day he had a great smile and greeting. Our world is a better place because he was in it. May God bless you all during this time and be comforted by knowing that there are many who care.
With deepest sympathy,
Jan (O’Connor) Iverson
Kalyn Bohle says
To Jim’s family, my sincere condolences. I started working for NRCS in 1987 and worked with Jim on many Engineering Projects in Fallon County. I had so much respect for him for his knowledge and for being one of the nicest guys I’ve met. I had to smile when I would ask him a question he would always start with “well, there’s a couple things to that”. May he rest in peace, free of pain.
pam.nisley@hotmail.com says
We have such fond memories of your family in Broadus 🙂 We are so saddened to see Jim has left this earth, and are holding all of you up in prayer, now and in the coming months. We care!
With love, Pam and Dave Nisley
Kathy Ugrin says
Dear Jane and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg and Kathy Ugrin
Pam Fletcher says
I know your faith will carry you through this very difficult time.
Please know we are praying for you all.
Pam Taylor Fletcher
Janet Dinardi says
I am so very sorry about your loss. You are all in my prayers and I pray for Gods peace and love to surround you.
Tom & Barb Finneman says
Thinking of you Jane. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. So very sorry. Jim will be missed.
Beth Ann says
Jamie, my prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of your father.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Oh, Jane and family, so sorry to hear this! I just visited with him and Roger at City Brew a couple weeks ago, and he looked so good, and we visited about our grandsons! Love and sympathy to all of you, Patsy
Kathy Knobloch says
O’Donnell Family, I was lucky enough to work with Jim on a big NRCS pipeline project in Lame Deer. I don’t think it would ever have been completed without him! The knowledge, patience, and good humor that “JOD” brought with him every day will always be greatly appreciated and missed. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Bob Joyce says
I’m very sorry for your loss. Jim was a close friend through high school and he always had a very positive attitude. He was well liked by his classmates and teammates. One summer Jim and I worked together for the MDU doing a pipe line survey across Wyoming and were roommates and he was always cheerful. Even after his accident and I saw him he was always positive. Again so sorry for your. Jim was a great person, father and good friend.
Jana Willcoxon says
He was a classmate who I always enjoyed being around. May he find his peace in heaven.
Earl and Jean Kiddie says
Dear Jane and Family
We were so very sorry to learn of Jim’s death. Be assured that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Jim was such a good guy~~always so nice and positive. He was always so fun to be around. Again, please accept our deepest sympathy at this sad time.
With our deepest love,
Earl,Jean, Matt, and Megan Kiddie
Audrey Haumschilld says
Jamie my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Biggest Hugs.
Lourdes Reynolds says
Jane I was so sorry to hear about your husbands passing I hope that in time the memories will be of comfort along with knowing he is no longer in pain sending you lots of love and a big hug ❤️
Jane Thompson says
Dear Jane and Family,
We send our heartfelt sympathies and Love to you all.
Rhonda Traub says
My Dear Friend Jane from Broadus, I am so sorry for the passing of Jim, you and Jim were such good friends to Kenny and I. My prayers and Gods Blessings are with you and your family. Peace Be With You.