James Frank McDonnell, 72 of Midland, died July 19, 2010 at the Cartwright Center in Saginaw, after a lengthy illness. He was born June 6, 1938 in Grayling, the oldest son of the late Clayton & Evelyn (Therrien) McDonnell. The family moved to Freeland where Jim attended and graduated from Arthur Hill High School. Jim apprenticed as a sheet metal worker after high school and worked for Sheet Metal Workers, Local 408 until his retirement. He married Ila Sampier on May 13, 1961 and served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. Jim developed a passion for woodworking and most recently enjoyed traveling in his RV. He is survived by his wife, Ila; daughter, Lynnette (Jeff) Sorensen of Bloomington, IL; two granddaughters, Erika & Emily Wisniewski of Illinois; step-grandchildren, Stephanie & Kylor Sorensen of Illinois; brothers, Ed McDonnell and George McDonnell of Freeland; niece, Vicky (Tom) Konsdorf of Hemlock; nephew, Jack Dietrich of Detroit; uncles, Herbert McDonnell of Kalamazoo and Philip Therrien of Midland. In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by one sister, Carol (McDonnell) Dietrich. James’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Cartwright Center for their loving care. Cremation has taken place and there are no services scheduled.

~Memorials~
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Cartwright Hospice, 3443 Hospital Road Saginaw, MI 48603.