James Donald Donarski

Our beloved father and family patriarch, James Donarski, passed away peacefully at 94 in Largo, Florida, on August 4th, 2026. He was born January 9, 1932, in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Eva Derepkowski and Frank Donarski. James had five siblings: Steven Donarski (deceased), wife Jacqueline; Daniel Donarski (twin), wife Mary (deceased); David Donarski, wife Mary (deceased); Eve Lynne Wojahn, husband Terry; and Christine Petri, husband Tom.

James graduated from Central Catholic High School in Green Bay, where he excelled in Football. In 1948, he was voted the team's most valuable player and received the Beam trophy. As versatile as he was talented, James also starred in his high school's production of Green Grow the Lilacs-the play on which the musical Oklahoma! was based. He went onto earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, graduating in 1953. While there, he distinguished himself as a rugged, dominant lineman who played both offensive guard and defensive linebacker. In 1952, he became the first University of Arizona athlete to be named an Associated Press All-American for the Wildcats. Continuing his football legacy, he was inducted into the University Hall of Fame in 1992, and he will always be remembered by Arizona fans for his team spirit and dedication. While at the University of Arizona, James also participated in the ROTC Program.

After college, James proudly served his country in the United States Army completing 14 years of active service from 1953 to 1964, including a period stationed in Germany. He attained the rank of Captain and served as head of a tank battalion.

James met and married Carol Ann Clabots, also of Green Bay, when he and his buddies crashed a wedding in which she was a member of the bridal party. He told them, "See that girl - I am going to marry her." And indeed he did. They were married on June 26, 1954, at St. John's church in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and spent 54 years together, building a loving family and sharing many wonderful memories. After Fort Knox, Kentucky they later moved to Germany during his military posting, where Carol embraced her role as a military officer's wife.

Following his military service, the couple moved to Oconto Falls/Escanaba, Michigan, where James taught and coached for two years. They had three children-Cathy Diane (deceased), James Gerard, and Cathy Ann-before deciding to pursue their shared dream of camping, fishing and sunshine. They packed up the family and moved to Seminole, Florida, putting down roots in Pinellas County, where they welcomed a fourth child, Robert Charles. They quickly became Floridian's. Raised their family to love and respect the great outdoors. They spent much of their family time camping, fishing and boating. Traveled all over the United States in a camper during the summertime. Visiting National Parks, experiencing wildlife, waterfalls, mountains and seashores. Today, the passion of the outdoors, still lives on through his kids and grandkids.

James continued his career and legacy in education, spending 38 years as an educator and coach and touching the lives of generations of students through his work at school's across the Tampa Bay area, including Pinellas Park Elementary, Madeira Beach Middle, and Dunedin High School, where he taught Science, History and Geography. Students lovingly knew him as "Mr. D". When James retired, they both took off traveling, continuing their journey by camping, and cruises all throughout the United States and beyond. They were definitely an adventurous couple!

James was a member of the American Legion, the Elks, and the University of Arizona Wildcats Alumni Association. Outside of work and service, he enjoyed fishing, football, bowling, and golf, and was an avid reader who spent time at the library each week. Above all, James cherished time with his family-his greatest joy was found in the company of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. James meant so much to his family. His love, teaching, companionship and wisdom, streams down to each generation. Thank you for every lesson, and every hug.

He was our guide, our hero, and our anchor. His quiet strength, endless patience, and deep love shaped what this family is today, and his light remains with us forever. He lived by honesty and a strong moral compass, always committed to doing what was right. We honor the silent sacrifices he made and the labor of love he poured into raising and supporting his family.

James will lovingly be remembered by his children: James Donarski (wife Martyna), Cathy O'Brien (husband Don), and Robert Donarski (wife Tammy); his grandchildren: Danielle Welsch, Ryan DeKnoblough (wife Beth), Corey DeKnoblough, Brett Donarski, Jennifer Richeson (husband Chase), and Taylor Donarski; and his great grandchildren: Brecken, Wyatt, Brycen, Asher, Skyler, Danita and Chris.

He will also be remembered and loved by his many relatives, friends, former students, teammates, and fellow veterans whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable 94 years. He lived a life defined by kindness and devotion, and was a true patriot.

Services honoring James will be held privately with immediate family. He will be buried at Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida.

"You lived with honor, loved with all your heart, and left a legacy of kindness"

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) or the Wounded Warrior Project.