Parcourez la nécrologie de James F O’Donnell 2025 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
James F. O’Donnell
February 27, 1937 – May 20, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share the peaceful passing of James (Jim) O’Donnell on May 20, 2025, at Glynnwood Retirement Residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.
Jim was born in Toronto, Ontario, on February 27, 1937, and was a devoted husband to Sandra for nearly 61 years. He was a loving father to Shannon (Mark), Megan (Peter), and Erin (Andrew), and a proud grandfather to Aidan, Brooke, Kian, Jamison, Kiefer, Finleigh, and Declan. Jim is predeceased by his parents Albert and Grace O’Donnell and his sister, Kathleen Leslie.
Jim was a man of immense heart, insatiable curiosity, and endless generosity. He had an extraordinary love of family, travel, and above all, people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and had a unique gift for making everyone feel seen and valued.
A cornerstone of Jim’s personal life was Mansfield Ski Club, where he and his family have found a treasured community of friends. His passion for skiing led him to create the Ontario Handicapped Skiing Program, opening the slopes to individuals of all abilities. He was also a steadfast supporter of the Special Olympics. He was deeply dedicated to youth development through sport and was a passionate supporter of ski racing programs, always encouraging young athletes to pursue excellence while embracing the joy and camaraderie of the slopes.
Jim’s career in Canada’s financial industry was groundbreaking. He joined Mackenzie Financial Corporation in 1974, playing a pivotal role in transforming it into one of the country’s most successful mutual fund companies. Recognized as a master marketer and industry innovator, Jim pioneered several foundational elements of the Canadian mutual fund landscape and became one of the most influential figures in the investment community.
In 1995, Jim founded O’Donnell Investment Management Corp., which quickly became one of the fastest-growing mutual fund firms in the country. His entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and commitment to excellence left an enduring mark on Canada’s financial services sector.
Throughout his career, Jim mentored countless individuals, giving many their first opportunity in business and guided them with wisdom, trust, and encouragement. His ability to recognize potential and his generosity in sharing his time and insight helped shape the careers and lives of many, creating a ripple effect of leadership and integrity that will endure for generations.
Beyond business, Jim was deeply committed to giving back. He spearheaded the O’Donnell Challenge for Charity, a major philanthropic initiative that raised funds for 41 children’s charities through the Molson Indy Festival Foundation, exemplifying his lifelong dedication to helping others, a wonderful example where he channeled his enthusiasm for the sport of car racing into meaningful community impact.
Jim’s passion for car racing also led to his induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2009, recognizing his influential role in motorsports. Through his unwavering support, Jim forged many cherished friendships in the racing community and saw countless shared successes along the way.
Jim knew all too well however, that true victories aren’t just won on the track, the slopes or boardroom, but in the lives we touch along the way.
The outpouring of love and support from friends, colleagues, and the broader community at this time has been deeply appreciated by Jim’s family. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his compassion, leadership, and unwavering optimism.
Jim’s family would like to give special thanks to his caregivers, Tracy and Rolly, for their love, dedication and compassion over the last two years.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, a Funeral Mass has already taken place in private.
In honour of Jim O’Donnell, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Baycrest Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
7 Messages
Bill Coulter
on May 27, 2025 at 12:09 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Jim and Sandra well from the Sovereign Restaurant in Creemore and his generosity to my nephews over the years. Our deepest condolences to the entire O’Donnell family at this very sad time.
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Beth Akehurst
on May 27, 2025 at 12:25 pm
Fondly remember Jim and family from long ago at the Sovereign in Creemore! Condolences to the family!
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Tara Lindo
on May 27, 2025 at 3:29 pm
I am so sorry Erin and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May his memory be a blessing.
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Lisa Kalk
on May 27, 2025 at 3:30 pm
Erin, Andrew and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and send our deepest condolences with huge hugs.
The Kalks
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Laurette Ayres (nee Warwick)
on May 27, 2025 at 5:46 pm
So sorry for your loss. He was my Dad’s friend from his Leaside days. Loved the stories of the mischief that they would get into.
He was a bright light that will continue to shine down from above.
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Dawne Taylor-Gilders
on May 27, 2025 at 8:30 pm
I have so many fond memories of Jimmy. He was our neighbour at Mansfield. Although I was the ultimate little brat, he was so kind to me. Loved our pizza on the deck.
I am thinking about all of you in this time. Shannon, Megan, Erin, and Sandy – please accept my deepest condolences.
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Phil & Eva Cunningham
on May 28, 2025 at 9:25 pm
Everyone should be so blessed and fortunate to have a person like Jim come into their life.
Jim was a dear friend & mentor of mine. Like many people he touched during his amazing career in the investment industry I will be forever grateful for how he changed my life.
Too many fond memories.
Our deepest condolences to Sandra, Shannon, Megan & Erin
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2025
Décès pour la Ville:TORONTO, Province: Ontario
avis deces James F O’Donnell 2025
nécrologie James F O’Donnell 2025
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de James F O’Donnell 2025 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.