Obituaries

James "Jim" Donahue

August 08, 1963 - September 21, 2024

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Obituary For James "Jim" Donahue

James “Jim” Francis Donahue passed away unexpectedly on September 21, 2024. Jim, aka Donut, Tuna, and lovingly by his family as “Jimbo” was born on August 8, 1963, to Tom and JoAnn Donahue, in North St Paul, MN, later moving to Madison, WI. Jim was well known on the Northside of Madison, where he spent most of his childhood and his entire adulthood. He graduated from East High School in 1982.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and found the most peace on the lake or in the woods. He was a conservationist by nature and enjoyed teaching others how to respect nature as well as enjoy it. Growing up in Cherokee, he was afforded a great deal of freedom to cultivate this love. He spent countless hours fishing on the lake and exploring the woods and marsh with his family and friends.

While he loved the outdoors, his true loves were his family and friends. He was a devoted son, especially as our parents aged. He was a faithful visitor after the Sunday farmers market, delivering Dad cheese curds and a bouquet of fresh cut flowers for Mom. He was the first in the door for our smaller family gatherings, and often the last to leave. He was responsible for most of the additional brothers that joined our family as teenagers, as his friends were his family and as such ours. There are countless stories of the shenanigans that took place when Mom and Dad were gone. Jim was often responsible for breaking the news or taking the fall. Let’s face it, we knew they couldn’t get nearly as mad at him as the rest of us.

Jimbo was the life of the party. Always willing to have a good time and very often responsible for it. Whether it was at a local establishment, a fishing tournament, the casino, a family reunion, the little league field, or his other favorite places, he made it fun and enjoyable for those around him. His smile, dimples and laughter could fill the room. He brought a smile to whomever he interacted with and treated everyone he met with kindness and respect.

Jim is survived by his siblings Kathy (Doug), Tim (Kim), Maureen (Dick), Jeff (Rhonda), Pat and Kelly (Matt). He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews Amanda (Ross), Katie, Mitchell, Ellen (Mitch), Erin (Chris), Casey (Meghan) and Devin (McKenzie) and great niece and nephews Henry, Adelaide and Theo. He is also survived by a large clan of Donahue and Berends families. Additionally, he is survived by his lifelong friend, confidant, and adventure buddy Pat Gaffney. He could always count on the families of Mike Finnegan and Steve Burton, whom he met during his 42 years working in maintenance.

Sadly, Jim also suffered many medical issues and surgeries from the time he was a child. This caused a great deal of pain in his life and robbed him of the things he loved the most. Most probably didn’t know of his suffering, due to his outgoing nature and love for fun and laughter. Frankly, he wouldn’t want to burden you with his pain. He would rather help you with yours. While we are devastated that he chose to leave the physical pain behind, we are searching for comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. We ask you to join us in the compassionate understanding of his decision.

When you are wandering the farmer’s market, think of Jim. Nibbling on curds, choosing the perfect bouquet, eating a freshly picked apple or watching the sun rise or set, think of him. Please, when you wet a line or sit in your favorite blind, fascinate at a stubborn weed, or watch the birds soar high above, think of him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 5460 Mary Lake Rd, Westport, WI. Visitation will take place from 4:30-7:00 p.m., Friday, October 25 at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, as well as, one hour prior to the Mass, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257

Services

25 Oct

Visitation

04:30 PM - 07:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - Madison North East 2418 N. Sherman Avenue Madison, WI 53704 Get Directions »
26 Oct

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church 5460 Mary Lake Rd Waunakee, WI 53597 Get Directions »
26 Oct

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM

St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church 5460 Mary Lake Rd Waunakee, WI 53597 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • October 26, 2024

    My deepest sympathies to the Donahue family. Just hearing the name "Donut" brought an immediate smile thinking of his smile, dipples and laugh. I am saddened to hear of his suffering and wish you all peace.

  • October 25, 2024

    My sincere condolences to the Donahue family, Donut was truly one of a kind. I spent countless hours with Donut fishing, hunting, swimming, and playing poker in Cherokee. His smile and laugh were incredibly infectious and he was a friend you could lean on at any time. A beautiful soul, he will be deeply missed. Thoughts and prayers to the Donahue family.

  • October 25, 2024

    Jim was a good friend to my family and he'll continue to bring us smiles for the rest of our lives as we remember his huge and caring presence. We got to know Jim at the little league baseball fields where he would come to cheer on some of his favorite little buddies. His huge smile and constant encouragement were something we looked forward to every single time we went to the fields. It wouldn't matter if the kids had just struck out, played a bad game, or had a bad day; every time they saw Jimbo, their faces would light up with smiles. It's amazing the amount of joy that he brought to those around him simply by caring. We'll miss him dearly.

  • October 24, 2024

    Donut was a awesome soul!! He was a man of happiness!! You will always be in my heart jim!! Heaven always recruits the great angles early.. was and always will be a honor to have Jim in my thoughts!!

  • October 23, 2024

    His smile! Always his beautiful smile. A quiet comment that made the guys to his right or left chuckle, but never to the rest of us and then again his smile. I always wanted to know what his comments was but I wasn't a boy. He always had a hello and a smile for all us cousins. I just wish I got to hear his funnies. Love to you Donut and all the cousins. Janet

  • October 22, 2024

    Some of the best times of my life were spent with "Jimbo" Rest in peace my friend. Prayers to all his family and friends. Steve Rosemeyer

  • October 17, 2024

    My apologies for not being able to attend his sendoff. He was one of my favorite people when he came to visit at the Village Inn. he always was joyful and happy and made everyone he came in contact with feel special. The world will miss his light and it was my pleasure to call him, friend. Much love to the Donahue family. Lisa Everett 💛

  • October 17, 2024

    God bless you Jim, and the whole Donahue family. Pat and I were best buds for a time and I know that whenever I came over to the house, I was always in awe of Jim—and fearful that another WWF-style wresting match would break out! Somehow, I actually looked forward to it. You guys were so nice to me, including "Uncle Tom," and my memory of you all is burned into my head and heart.

  • October 17, 2024

    I loved Jim like a brother because he treated me as one, and he had a way of making everyone feel like they were a brother or sister. He will be greatly missed, but heaven is shaking with a laugh, and a happy pain free brother.

  • October 16, 2024

    "How lucky am I, to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." My family and I were lucky to have known Jimmy and to experience his infectious smile, his joyous laughter, and his genuine kindness numerous times over the years. Jimmy was not only a coworker, but a good friend and a beautiful soul who has left this world a little less bright. Sending our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time and praying all the beautiful and wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort. ~ Eric, Amber and Danika Tyler

  • October 16, 2024

    Some of my life's most cherished memories are of times I got to spend with Jimmy and his friends out on the ice on Lake Mendota (see photos) Though I was not an official member of his "Cast of Characters " Jimmy always made me feel welcome and always greeted me with that big smile!!  We will miss you Jimmy.  Cam and Robin Tyler. 

  • October 16, 2024

    always had a good time with Jim (JIMBO) -he was a good fan of the Madison senator's baseball team-our thoughts and prayers are with the family pat@sue soule

  • October 15, 2024

    May happy memories help lesson your sorrow during these difficult days. Thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. Love, Dan and Sue Hoffman

  • October 15, 2024

    I did not know Jim your brother. What a beautiful obituary. Sounds like he was a beautiful person inside and out. Praying that he is sorrowing in the sky with your parents, free of pain. Smiling and laughing. Connie

  • October 15, 2024

    I did not know Jim personally; he was a fleeting yet powerful presence in my world. Yet I want to say how deeply I respect your authentic sharing of his choice to leave his pain behind. I often was at KwikTrip with a young woman who loves to spark conversation with strangers. Jim was one of few who brought to life the saying "There are no strangers, only friends we haven't met yet." I pray that all who love him find peace in knowing he is no longer in pain and is joyfully reunited with loved ones. This site and especially this book may help. Alan Wolfeldt has many books on grief and mourning that offer practical tips. Google him if you're not comfortable using a link from someone you don't know https://www.centerforloss.com/bookstore/understanding-your-suicide-grief/

  • October 14, 2024

    I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think I ever saw Jim without a smile on his face and those dimples! Keeping you all in my thoughts. Sue Kopp

  • October 14, 2024

    My deepest sympathies and prayers to Jim's family and dear friends. He always had a kind word, a generous laugh, or a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He had the absolute best smile! May he be at peace.🙏🏻💔🙏🏻

  • October 14, 2024

    He had the most infectious smile! Love, Loreen Olson-Ranals

Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Richard Collies planted 5 trees in memory of James "Jim" Donahue . - October 25, 2024

  • 10 TREES

    Mike Finnegan planted 10 trees in memory of James "Jim" Donahue . - October 17, 2024

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Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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