James (Jim) Patrick O'Donnell passed peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on June 21st, 2023. Jim was born in Edmonds Washington on September 21st , 1944, to Michael and Lia O'Donnell. Jim was the youngest and often referred to as the rowdiest of his 3 brothers and 1 sister that grew up in the Seattle area. After graduating from high school, he joined the army and was sent to Viet Nam where he fought bravely and received the purple heart award for his service. When Jim returned from the war, he enrolled in Western Washington University where he earned his bachelor's degree. Jim went on to use that degree as a special education teacher for more than 25 years at Moses Lake high school and Othello high school. Early on he spent his time teaching young boys life skills, fishing and scouting for local clubs. Jim not only had a passion for teaching kids but also had a love for sports and spent many years coaching baseball and football. Jim was an active member of the community and always encouraged his family to be a part of something greater. While teaching in Othello he met his wife and best friend Cheryl. During their 35 years of marriage, they raised their blended family together. Jimmy, Nikki, Danny, Justin, Jared, and Erin went on to provide them with 10 grandchildren. His grandkids provided so much joy in his life and was one of his favorite accomplishments. Often spending more time with them than should be allowed in a day. James and Cheryl also provided a safe home for foster kids over the years and had more than 30 kids come through their home. Jim held all his foster and adopted kids close to his heart. Towards the end of his teaching career and before retiring he began developing heart problems as a result of his time in Viet Nam and exposure to agent orange. After many years of waiting for a new heart and many near death experiences a new heart became available on Thanksgiving Day of 2008. With the help of excellent doctors and staff from the University of Washington Medical facility he was able to resume a mostly normal life and get back to fishing, camping, hunting and spending time with his kids and grandkids. Jim was known for wearing many hats in his lifetime. Dad, stepdad, Papa, Uncle Jimmy, the Irish godfather. He could light up a room with his personality. He loved to make people laugh and was always cracking jokes. He would say whatever he was thinking, without thinking sometimes too. Jim was a fighter throughout his lifetime. He faced many challenges with his health and the ever-changing seasons but never lost hope. He would often face the day head on. Embracing the chaos put in front of him. He taught us about love. He taught us that the world has love to give you and if you want to receive love then you must let go of resentment because it only hardens your heart and causes bitterness. Jim loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was a survivor. Most of us are still amazed at what he overcame to make it to age 78. He taught us all what it meant to survive against all odds and do it with humility and class. His presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Jim was preceded in death by his brothers Daniel O'Donnell and Brian O'Donnell. His sister Sharon Adolphson. His son Daniel O'Donnell and respectively, many other family members throughout the O'Donnell clan. He is survived by his oldest brother Michael O'Donnell and his family. His wife Cheryl and their family. James family will be holding a celebration of life at Story Point Community Church in Kennewick, WA at 17 S. Rainier Street on Saturday July 8th at 4pm. They will hold an additional service at Shawn O'Donnell's Restaurant in Everett WA at 122 128th Street SE on Friday July 14th at 4pm. Jims's burial and spreading of his ashes will take place September 15th at the Fort Worden National Cemetery in Port Townsend WA. For more details or questions please contact Erin Day or Nikki Houston. Suggestions: Flowers www.budsandblossomstoo.com Donations www.heart.org Donations www.woundedwarriorproject.org May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.