Mr. James L. "Jim" Donnell known by friends as "Sonny", age 84, of Winston, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

He was born on December 16, 1941, in Marshall, Missouri, to the late James Lee Donnell and Helen Francis Davis Donnell.

Jim was a stern but loving man who dedicated his life to service, both to his family and to his country. He proudly served in the United States military for many years, including service in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard, four years in the U.S. Air Force, two years in the Navy Reserve, and sixteen years in the U.S. Navy, from which he retired after many years of faithful and dedicated service.

Jim also built a strong career outside the military. He worked for TWA in Kansas City, Missouri and later served as an accountant in the Municipal Utilities Division in Marshall, Missouri.

In his younger years, Jim served as a church youth group leader and later became a scout leader after the family moved from Kansas City to Marshall. He was always active in the lives of his family and community, generously giving his time to support others.

He coached the church women's softball team, for which his wife played, and also coached the traveling boy's baseball team for his son, Kelly. He especially enjoyed spending time with family while helping Uncle Wilbur at his camp lake, where the children often fished while he worked on the shack.

While stationed in Cuba, Jim developed a lifelong love for horses. He enjoyed riding in parades and bringing smiles to others by playing Santa on horseback. His time working in the stables eventually led to purchasing his own horse, Reggie, and a pony named Star for his wife.

Jim was well known for his sense of humor and playful spirit. Waitresses and waiters across the nation and even in foreign countries became good-natured victims of his famous pine float gag. His laughter, devotion to family, and generous heart touched many lives.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, veteran, mentor, jokester, and friend. Jim was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ina M. Bond Donnell; daughter, Candace René Desrosiers, his son and daughter-in-law, James K. and Sharon Donnell; grandchildren, Tara, Phillip Jr., Sheldon, Emily, Bridnie and Sidnie; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Timothy; great-great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Ryver, James and Noriyah; sister and brother-in-law, Tammy and Bud Estes; honorary daughter, Joy Sellers; along with several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Phillip Desrosiers, Sr.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm and Friday from 1 pm until the service hour at Almon Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 2 pm from the chapel of Almon Funeral Home with Rev. Todd Dudich officiating.

Interment will be in Georgia National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or ASPCA, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com.

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.