James McDonnel

James L. McDonnel, the son of Jacob and Vera (Mendenhall), was born in Kansas on Feb. 1, 1936, and died on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at the Ridgewood Care Center in Seward, Nebraska, at the age of 88 years, 11 months and 6 days.

James grew up on the farm west of Burr Oak, Kansas and attended Burr Oak High School, graduating with the Class of 1954. He then attended Haviland Bible College in Haviland, Kansas, George Fox University in Newberg, Oregon, and eventually received his master's in music education at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas.

He taught high school music in Hoxie, Kansas, Larned, Kansas, and Coffeyville, Kansas, before eventually moving to Boston, Massachutts, in 1981.

James embraced city life and enjoyed living in the heart of Boston. Always playing the tourist, he learned his way around the city and when anyone came to visit, he would show them everything there was to see.

James worked in food service as well as various retail jobs, but his biggest joy was found when he joined the historic Old South Church in 1982. He felt it such a privilege to be a part of the congregation and he served as deacon as well as staff member, working at the reception desk. With his background in music, he liked listening to the organ, the bagpipes, and all the music that is such a big part of Old South Church.

James, or Jim as his friends knew him, would go out of his way to introduce himself and make newcomers feel welcome, whether he was in church, at work, or in other social settings. He didn't want anyone to feel alone or awkward and he had a way of endearing himself to the hearts of everyone around him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Beth Jeffery and AnnaBelle Grubbs, and two brothers-in-law, Lyle Jeffery and Homer Lewis Grubbs.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a service later in the year.