James A. O'Donnell

James A. O'Donnell, age 79, of Wheatfield, IN passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. James was born May 13, 1941 the infant son of Charles F. and Verna G. (Shelbourne) O'Donnell in East Chicago, IN. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Gloria (Baciu) O'Donnell; children; James (Denise) O'Donnell, Dana (Jim) Murr; grandchildren, James (Ali) O'Donnell, Jeremy (fiancé Gabby) O'Donnell, Jason O'Donnell, Cael Murr, Brannon Murr, Declan Murr; great-grandchildren, Nora O'Donnell, Sylvia O'Donnell; step children, Roseann (Brian) Dennis, Robert (Jamee) Rubino, Victor (Heather) Rubino; step grandchildren, Sydney Dennis, Dominic Dennis, Gabriella Rubino, Kaleigh Rubino, and Lyndsey Rubino. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 46 years, Sylvia (Koitch) O'Donnell and his parents, Charles and Verna O'Donnell. Jim was a 40 year veteran on the East Chicago Fire Department serving as the Assistant Chief and Chief Training Officer. At on time, he worked three jobs while attending college and ended up receiving his Associates Degree in Fire Science. His fellow colleagues share that he was always the first one in to the fire and the last one out. He lived life to the fullest and was not only adored, but admired by his family, friends and dear friends, Lenny and Pat Bailes. Jim and Gloria would spend a lot of time with Lenny and Pat by travelling to and from different places and making sure to always grab a bite to eat that included something chocolate. He enjoyed things like golfing, reading, listening to music, eating peanut M&M's, exercising, going to church, driving a lot, and watching sports on TV, especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and other televised programs. His family will remember him most because of his loyalty and level of care for everyone. He knew much about life by all the lessons he learned through many hardships and triumphs. He was dedicated to all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step-grandchildren's activities and was each of their biggest fan. Everyone loved Jim very much and he will be truly missed by those who were fortunate to hear him try to re-tell a joke and had a great sense of humor to know that he wasn't the best at it. A true dedicated family man fought very hard until the end and he is now resting with the Heavenly Father. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Kuiper Funeral Home. All services have been chosen to be private with a burial for James held with immediate family in attendance at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery - 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, Indiana 46307. A celebration of Jim's life will take place at a later date. Please check back for updated service information at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the O'Donnell family.