Eternal rest grant unto him, O lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. may the souls of all the faithfully departed, Through the mercy of god, Rest in Peace
REV. JAMES P. O’DONNELL (April 10, 1930 — May 6, 2026)
Father James Patrick O’Donnell was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the eldest of four children of the late Margaret (née Keaveney), a native of Ballintubber, County Mayo, and Owen O’Donnell of Islandeady, County Mayo, Ireland. Fr. Jim, as he was known to his countless family and friends, grew up in East Cleveland and attended St. Philomena Grade School and Cathedral Latin High School. He began his studies for the priesthood at St. Jerome’s College in Kitchener, Ontario, before continuing his formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Cleveland. On May 19, 1956, Fr. Jim was ordained as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Cleveland.
Fr. Jim began his priestly ministry at St. Colman Parish on Cleveland’s west side, followed by an assignment at St. Mary Parish in Avon, then a largely rural community. He later served for eight years as Director of the Cleveland Diocese’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). During that time, he was blessed with the opportunity to travel to Calcutta, India, where he worked alongside Mother Teresa in the Home for the Dying. This formative experience deepened a lifelong commitment to serving the poor and those on the margins of society.
In the years that followed, Fr. Jim spent time traveling across the United States, living and working among those experiencing poverty. In 1977, he felt called to establish a “ministry of presence” among society’s most marginalized. Together with Sr. Maggie Walsh-Conrad, a consecrated laywoman, he co-founded the Community of the Little Brothers and Sisters of the Eucharist in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood, where they lived and served for many years.
Their work in the community was transformative. Fr. Jim and Sr. Maggie helped bring Habitat for Humanity to the Central neighborhood, contributing to the development of more than 600 new homes. Their ministry also took on a deeply personal dimension when Sr. Maggie became a licensed foster-adoptive parent. Together, they welcomed 12 children into their home, known as the Visitation Home, offering them love, stability, and faith. Today, those children are grown, with some raising families of their own.
In addition to his community work, Fr. Jim was actively involved in L’Arche, Faith and Light, and Faith and Sharing – three organizations dedicated to persons with disabilities and their families. He also served as Catholic chaplain at the Northeast Pre-Release Center and the Juvenile Detention Center, offering pastoral care to those who were incarcerated.
For nearly 40 years, Fr. Jim assisted with weekend Masses at St. Malachi Parish. He was also a founding member of the Cleveland chapters of the Jesus Caritas priest and lay fraternities and continued to gather monthly with his brother priests in prayer and fraternity. In his later years, he resided at Ennis Court in Lakewood, Ohio, where he participated in daily Mass and ministry to fellow residents with generosity and compassion.
In his 70 years as a priest, Fr. Jim lived with, laughed with, embraced, and served the people of his community in dynamic and myriad ways. He left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone he encountered. Those in need came to his door because he always answered. He shared freely of his table – the vegetables that he grew and the bread that he baked. Because of Fr. Jim, so many of his neighbors came to know “Catholic” to mean welcome, accompaniment, a washing of feet, and the sharing of a smile.
Fr. Jim now rests with God, as he walked with Him throughout his time among us. He offered a lifetime of faithful service marked by humility, deep compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the Gospel. Loving brother of Gene-deceased (Donna), Eileen Hansen (Robert-deceased) and the late Joseph; beloved companion in ministry to Sr. Maggie Walsh-Conrad and cherished “Abba” of Josie, Martin, Caroline and Ryan; much loved uncle, great uncle, cousin and dear friend of many throughout the Diocese of Cleveland. Passed away May 6, 2026.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Little Brothers and Sisters of the Eucharist, 3675 W. 165th St. Cleveland, OH. 44111.
Ar dheis Dé go raibha anam dílis. (May his faithful soul be on the right side of God)
*John is a Founder and the Publisher and Editor of iIrish (2006); a Founder and Deputy Director of Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival for more than 35 years (1982); Founder of Speak Irish Cleveland (2010); A Founder of The Greater Cleveland An Gorta Mor Stone (2000); an archivist, spokesman, emcee, Spoken Word presenter and author of five books, so far.
