James Patrick O'Toole

James Patrick O’Toole, of Altamonte Springs, FL, peacefully passed away on December 30, 2022 surrounded by loved ones. Jim was born on July 22, 1929 to Bernard O’Toole and Mary McDermott O’Toole in Superior, Wisconsin.

Jim attended Wayne State University before joining the Marine Corps in 1949. While serving in the reserves he also played as a catcher for Florida minor league baseball traveling to several destinations including Cuba. He later returned to complete his Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University.

Jim worked in the newspaper industry as a long-time sports editor and editorial director for the Mellus Newspapers in Lincoln Park, Michigan. He was a well-known journalist in the Detroit area receiving multiple awards. He also served as John Glenn’s press secretary in Chicago for his presidential campaign in 1984. He later became the Regional Editor for Panax Corporation. Jim finished his career as a Vice President for PR Associates in Detroit, Michigan. He was a career member of the Detroit Press Club.

Jim was an avid golfer and member of West Shore Country Club and Grosse Ile Country Club in Grosse Ile, Michigan. He continued golfing at the Dominion Club in Richmond, Virginia after retiring. Later, he and his wife, Stefanie, moved to The Villages, Florida where he continued to golf at numerous courses. Jim participated in many senior tournaments in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He topped off his golf career with a pilgrimage to Saint Andrew’s Golf Club in Scotland.

Jim lived a long, giving life supporting numerous charities and his alma mater. He volunteered at Day Break Club of The Villages in memory of his late wife.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Stefanie Ott-O’Toole in 2018 and two brothers, Bernard and Gerald.

James is survived by his children: Vicki Munro and her husband Tim of Port Charlotte, Florida, Jim O’Toole and his wife Shelley of Derry, New Hampshire, Joan O’Toole of Casselberry, Florida and his brother Michael O’Toole of Hale, Michigan; five grandchildren: Sam Randazzo (Moraima), Michelle Munro-Kramer (Mike), Jeff Munro (Kim), Michael Munro (Fawn), and Braelan O’Toole; and six great-grandchildren: Mason, Molly, Nora, Berkley, Holton and Haisley.

A military service will be held at a later date at the National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida where he will be interred with his late wife, Stefanie.

Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.baldwinfairchild.com