James O'Donnell

James Edward "Jim" O'Donnell, 88, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, died June 25, 2014, after a long illness.



A Philadelphia native, Mr. O'Donnell attended St. Joseph's Preparatory School until he left to join the Army where he served in the Medical Corps during World War II. He graduated from Brown Preparatory School and went on to Villanova University. Graduating from Villanova in 1950, he began his long career with steel pipe maker John Maneely Company. At the time of his retirement in 2006, John Maneely Company had become a leading manufacturer of steel pipe and tubular products with seven manufacturing facilities in five states: Wheatland, PA; Sharon, PA; Warren, OH; Cambridge, OH; Chicago, IL; Little Rock, AR; and Houston, TX. Corporate headquarters were first in Philadelphia and moved to Collingswood, NJ in 1980.



Mr. O'Donnell began in the Sales department, visiting clients all over the country. He needed an airplane for much of this travel. At Lane Aviation in Columbus, Ohio, he met saleswoman Lillian Saul. She not only sold him a Cessna but then went on to marry him in 1956. Jim and Lillian settled in Cherry Hill, NJ, and had three children Marie, Elizabeth Anne and Kenneth James. Mr. O'Donnell rose in the company to become CEO, President and Chairman in 1987. From 1994 on, he helmed the company as CEO and Chairman. In 2006, Mr. O'Donnell retired as Chairman.



In 1998, Mr. O'Donnell founded the MKM Foundation, named for his beloved aunt Marie Kavanagh Maneely. His family continues his legacy at the MKM Foundation. His daughter Anne said, "Dad set an example of quiet giving for us that has become a major force in our lives."



Known for his gentle nature but sharp wit, Mr. O'Donnell was not only a loving and devoted husband and father; his extended family was also at the center of his life. As well as being a dedicated brother to his siblings Jack, Bette and ReRe, he was beloved "Uncle Jimmy" to all their children and grandchildren, cherishing each of them along with his own children and grandchildren.



Mr. O'Donnell is survived by his wife Lillian (née Saul); his daughters Marie O'Donnell (Bruce Satalof) and Elizabeth Anne Vogelmann (Michael); his grandchildren Michael Satalof and Caroline Satalof; his sister Marie Dooner; his sister-in-law Merry O'Donnell; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son Kenneth James O'Donnell, his sister Elizabeth Boylan and his brother John Joseph O'Donnell.



In Florida, relatives and friends may visit the family Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33410 followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. In Pennsylvania, relatives and friends are invited to visit the family Monday, July 7 from 7:00-8:00 PM and Tuesday, July 8 from 10:00-11:00 AM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 366 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA. A Life Celebration will follow visitation on Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00 AM. Interment Calvary Cemetery.