James F. O'Donnell

May 12, 2022

James F. O’Donnell, age 91, of River Edge NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 12, 2022 … surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his beloved wife of more than 58 years Mary (O’Mahoney). Devoted father of Catherine, Mary and partner Ralph Cavalucci, James Jr., Margaret, John and wife Victoria, and Eileen. Cherished grandfather of Thomas Dowd and Brendan O’Donnell. Dear brother-in-law of John and Patricia O’Mahoney. Adoring uncle of many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by precious parents John and Katherine (Gallagher) O’Donnell, treasured siblings Jack and wife Kay, Kathleen and husband John Fleming, dear in-laws Margaret and Pat Hesse, Catherine and Tom Gallagher, and Connie Twilley, and by adored niece Kathleen Mellina and nephews Thomas and James Gallagher. Jim was born in Manhattan and raised on West 62nd Street. He attended St. Paul the Apostle Church and grammar school, the High School of Commerce and later graduated from Bergen Community College. After proud service in the United States Army, Jim launched a successful professional career at IBM. He started in the mailroom and held progressively more responsible positions until his retirement as a data analyst after 36 years. In retirement, his “work” included serving as a popular and beloved crossing guard at one of the busiest intersections in town between the River Dell Middle and High Schools. Jim was an extremely active parishioner of St Peter the Apostle Church serving as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Past President of the Holy Name Society, Social Concerns Committee Member and First Saturday Club Driver. He was equally involved in civic organizations including the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Burke Council #5015 (Past Grand Knight), the VFW Post #876 of River Edge (Past Senior Vice Commander), American Legion Sgt. Walter Scott Brown Post #226 of River Edge, Elks Lodge #1506 of Ridgefield Park, and the River Edge Swim Club (Past President and Trustee). For many years, Jim also volunteered as a Little League and REGAL coach, Cub Scout Dad and most loyal supporter of all of his children’s activities. Family and friends are invited to visit this Wednesday, May 18th from 4-8PM at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Rd, Oradell, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 19 at 10AM at St Peter the Apostle RCC, 445 Fifth Ave, River Edge NJ. Interment to follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, NJ. Jim benefitted greatly from the services of the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service (REVAS) and from generous blood donors. In Jim’s charitable spirit, please consider donations of time, talent and treasure to The River Edge Public Library, REVAS or the community organization of your choice.