James W. Donnelly
James W. Donnelly (age 87) died peacefully in Atlanta on April 20. 2020, after struggling for several years with Parkinson’s Disease.
He was born in 1932 in Atlantic City, NJ, to Marie & Frank Donnelly. The family moved to Washington, DC (Anacostia) when Jim was 3 years old.
After his employment at the Naval Research Laboratory, he served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years. He and Delores (Dee) Lewicki were married in 1953.
Jim, BS Mechanical Engineer (1961, University of California, Berkeley), was especially proud of his work on the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft while at Pratt & Whitney, Florida. In 1977, he and Dee founded the Atlanta-based Association of Consultant Engineers (A.C.E.). With P.E. licenses in electrical and mechanical engineer, Jim performed forensic investigations and served as an expert witness for fire losses and equipment failures. He mentored many employees into the engineering field. Jim served in numerous positions in the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers, including Director of the Atlanta Metro Chapter.
Jim’s deep faith in Jesus Christ led him to active participation in the Lutheran Church, from council member to teacher, and even softball catcher. Jim was a certified Chess Master, starting chess clubs wherever he went. At Berkeley Lake where he and Dee enjoyed their dream home for almost 20 years, Jim served on the City Council, leading the 2009 project to rebuild the lake dam after a 500-year rainstorm nearly destroyed it. Jim will be remembered for his fine sense of humor, his wonderful stories, and love for others.
Jim has always loved and been loved by his family, including daughters: Lisa (Richard), Robin (Bob – deceased), Trisha (Chris), and Rhoda; grandchildren: Nathan, Christopher, Trey, Anastasia, Catherine, William and Alex; great grandchildren: Colin, Theo and Freddie.
Jim’s celebration of life worship service will be at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Peachtree Corners, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, consider a tribute gift in Jim’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.Parkinsons.org or 800-473-4636; or to Christ the King Lutheran Church at www.ctklutheran.org or 770-449-1211.
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Uncle Jim’s passing is a sad thing but we must remember the many people he touch he didn’t care what you back ground was race or creed where ,he was a loving father and husband and friend I will miss the time when I was home and would visit him and aunt Dee my heart goes out to all the family hold him in user and my heart
I enjoyed knowing Jim. It was always fun to talk to a fellow Forensic Engineer. WE will miss him.
Blessings be upon you. I know you loved Jim and he loved you and I love you too. Peace be upon you
Peace
I pray for peace and comfort for all of Jim’s family and friends. He made a mark in this world and I know you were proud of him.If any of you need to talk I am here for you. Dee we love you, Marietta
Peace be upon you thank you
Peace to you
Love you, Dad.
He was a wonderful Dad. His talks about thermocouples and BTU’s at the dinner table for years intrigued me and led me to study Chemical Engineering. His stories were always fascinating. He lives such a full and diverse life. His love for his wife, my mom, is a model for eternity. He made the world a better place. Love you, Dad!! See you in heaven some day.
Dee, I know the past several years must have been a struggle for both of you because of the disease Jim had. And what a wonderful life he had – so well-lived! The picture in the AJC caught my attention for I well remember Jim even though it has been over twenty years since I have seen him. I am sorry that you will not have friends and family around you as you would have at another time. No doubt you are being surrounded by much love and many prayers if not all of the people you would want to be with you. I am thinking of you – as I often do – and hoping you and your family are safe from the virus. Tom and I are being very careful these days as we all need to be. It would be so nice to see you. I have the article from the AJC that featured a picture of you in my special spirituality/religion files. That was a few years back – you were leading a group for caregivers. My love to you, Val Spence McIntyre
Condolences Rhoda. All my best thoughts to you at this time
Dear Pastor Dee,
May the peace of the Lord be with in the days ahead. I pray you will feel his loving arms around you at all times and that your children and grandchildren will also fell them. I remember you both quite often as good friends.’
God bless you,
Marilyn Gehrke Lokey
Peace And hope
Pastor Dee – You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. You were a wonderful interim Pastor at AGLC, which is where I met you. You have remembered me during my periodic visits to CtK over the years. God Bless you and all of your family. Jim will be missed.
Remembering Jim, a wonderful loving person. He will be missed so much. My prayer is with Pastor Dee and the family.
Missing Dad. 🙁 Glad we had him in our lives for so long. I’ll miss his stories. He had so many memorable experiences to talk about. —- Love you Dad!