James Patrick McDonnell II, age 80, of Leesburg, Florida, walked straight into the arms of his Lord and Savior on September 3, 2026. Jim passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.

Jim was born on November 5, 1945, in Jamaica, New York, to James McDonnell and Kathryn (McCaffery) McDonnell. He grew up in Westbury, New York, and graduated from Chaminade High School in 1963, Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, in 1967, and Adelphi University in 1972.

On June 1, 1968, Jim married the love of his life, Patricia (Albert) McDonnell. Together, Jim and Pat built a life centered on faith, family, service, and an enduring love for one another that spanned more than 58 years.

After honorably serving his country in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, Jim began a long and successful career as a systems engineer with IBM, followed by operating his own consulting business, JP McDonnell Systems Inc, and later joining Pactiv Inc. Jim and Pat moved from Long Island to Argyle, New York, where they spent 32 years restoring an 1839 farmhouse and raising their family. In 2002, they moved to Saratoga Springs, New York. Following Jim's retirement in 2009, they moved to The Villages, Florida, in 2011.

Although Jim enjoyed a successful career, his work was never what defined him. His faith and his family were at the very center of his life.

Jim embodied what it meant to be a servant leader. He was deeply involved in his church and served on many Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, and Journey for Teens retreat weekends in the Diocese of Albany, New York. His heart, however, was especially drawn to prison ministry through Residents Encounter Christ, where he served as a music minister on more than 40 retreat weekends for incarcerated men. Jim was passionate about sharing the Good News of the Gospel and wanted others to know the love, grace, and hope he had found in Jesus.

That servant's heart extended beyond his church. For several years, Jim volunteered with Hospice of Saratoga Springs, delivering medications and providing much-needed respite and companionship to families caring for loved ones at the end of life. It was simply who Jim was; when someone needed help, he showed up.

But of all the things Jim loved and all the ways he served, nothing brought him greater joy than his family. His beloved wife, his three children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren were the great treasures of his life. He loved each of them fiercely, was enormously proud of them, and took great pleasure in making sure every one of them became a New York Giants fan. His efforts to pass along his equally passionate love of the New York Yankees were somewhat less successful, but with well over half of the grandchildren converted, the family has agreed to call it a win.

Jim's faith in Jesus shaped the way he lived, the way he served, the way he loved his family, and ultimately the way he faced the end of his life. His family takes great comfort in knowing that the faith he carried throughout his life has now become his legacy.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathryn (McCaffery) McDonnell. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Patricia (Albert) McDonnell; his children, Kelly (McDonnell) Payne and her husband, Scott, Doctor James McDonnell and his wife, Amy (Hudson) McDonnell and Doctor Shannon (McDonnell) Seaman and her husband, Carlos.

Jim also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Andrew Payne and his wife, Kayla (Walker) Payne; Kevin Payne; Sam Payne and his wife, Marie (Ogletree) Payne; Kathryn Payne; Lyla Payne; Aidan McDonnell; Molly McDonnell; Rory McDonnell; Margaret McDonnell; Kerry Rose McDonnell; Sofia Seaman; Olivia Seaman; and Lily Seaman.

One of the great gifts of Jim's later years was becoming a great-grandfather to James and Eloise Payne, who brought him tremendous joy.

Jim is also survived by his brother, Philip McDonnell, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

On what would have been his 81st birthday, a Funeral Mass celebrating Jim's life and faith will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, Florida, on Thursday, November 5, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, Florida, an organization especially near and dear to Jim's heart.

Jim leaves behind a family who will miss him beyond measure, but who are profoundly grateful for the life he lived, the faith he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

“May the road rise 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.”