James Leo Donohue May 16, 1941 – February 17, 2019 Share this obituary Send Flowers Sign Guestbook| Send Sympathy Card James Leo Donohue, 77, of Bella Vista, AR, passed away on February 17, 2019. Jim was born on May 16, 1941 in Oakland, California to James and Margaret Donohue. Jim grew up in Oakland attending Saint Mary’s high school and Chabot College in Hayward, CA.
Jim took a job with Pacific Gas and Electric Company starting as a laborer and working his way up the ladder to Gas General Foreman at Kern Division in Bakersfield, California, spending 33 years with the company. Jim joined the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War spending 6 years with his unit and attaining the rank of Sergeant. Jim was handy with most any tool and had a General Contractor’s license.
He was always repairing, replacing something or helping someone else with their projects whether it was electrical, plumbing, welding or just supervising. After retirement Jim did some consulting and was well respected for his knowledge in many areas of construction for venders and subcontractor’s hired by P.G.&E. When Jim wasn’t busy with one of his many projects he always enjoyed reading a good book and would be considered an avid reader.
Jim was a lifelong Oakland Raider fan and supported them no matter what! Jim was a devout Catholic attending Catholic Schools for 12 years. He was an active member of OLPH church in Bakersfield, CA while he resided there and joined Saint Bernard Parish after moving to Bella Vista.
Jim loved his home in Bella Vista where he lived the last years of his life enjoying the many lakes and wooded areas around his home. He also enjoyed watching the deer, raccoons and many species of birds roaming his back yard. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret “Bootsie” Bolin and his beloved 14 year old Yorkie, Chloe, who crossed the Rainbow Bridge only days before Jim’s passing.
Jim is survived by his wife of 32 years, Brenda Donohue, son Sean and his wife Tara, son Bryan Dye and his wife Lisa, daughters Colleen and Casey. Jim is also survived by 8 grandchildren, sister, Colleen “Cookie” McCormack and husband Mike along with brother-in-law Lynn Watkins and wife Cheryl. Jim also left behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
A Funeral mass will be held for Jim on Tuesday, February 26th at 10:00 AM at Saint Bernard Catholic Church located at 1 Saint Bernard Lane, Bella Vista, AR. Interment will follow the Mass at the Saint Bernard Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Bernard Parish or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www. funeralmation.com.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
