James H. Donnelly, 74, of Methuen passed away Friday August 23rd at home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Methuen son of the late James J. and Patricia (Babb) Donnelly and was raised and educated in Methuen graduating from Tenny High School and later serving his country as a United States Marine. Prior to retirement, he worked at Bolton Emerson as a machinist for 33 years. In his free time Jim was a member of the Lawrence Elks and enjoyed coaching his daughter’s softball team. He also loved Boston sports, horse racing, fishing, playing 45s, time at the Methuen Senior Center, and most of all spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years Jeanette (Mackin) Donnelly, son James H. Donnelly Jr. and his wife Sandra of Pembroke NH, daughter Kathleen Ryan and her husband Colie of Methuen, sister Mary (Donnelly) Sheehy and her long time partner Jack Griffin of Laconia NH, brother Joseph C. Donnelly and his wife Rita of Sabastian FL, grandchildren James Robert, Michael, and Daniel Donnelly and Shannon and Meghan Ryan, great grandchildren James Patrick, Sawyer, and Peyton, niece Patti, nephews Jamie and Danny.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Wednesday August 28th from 4-8 PM at the Kenneth H. pollard Funeral Home 233 Lawrence Street in Methuen. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place Thursday August 29th at 11 AM at St. Monica’s Church in Methuen with burial to follow at St. Mary Immaculate Cemetery in Lawrence. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jim’s honor may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice 360 Merrimack Street Bldg. 9, Lawrence, MA 01843 or http://www.merrimackvalleyhospice.org/. Online condolences may be made at www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Donnelly Family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Merrimack Valley Hospice for their caring and compassion thru this difficult time. The Pollard Funeral Home is honored to be handling arrangements.