Obituary of James M. Donnell

James Donnell, of Mt. Juliet, born December 31, 1941, died peacefully at St. Thomas Hospital on March 29, 2011. He fought a long and courageous battle with lung disease. He graduated from Lebanon High School, attended the University of Miami, Cumberland University, MTSU, and UT Nashville where he did additional accreditations in engineering. Mr. Donnell served six years in the National Guard. He had a career of 33 years as a Civil Engineer writing Environmental Impact Statements for T.D.O.T. A lifelong athlete, he enjoyed tennis, hunting, fishing, and scuba diving. Throughout his life he traveled the United States and abroad, introducing his wife and children to many foreign countries and cultures. Preceded in death by parents Philip and Annette McAdoo Donnell. Survived by wife of 45 years Sandra DiBella Donnell, loving father of Danielle Donnell Rodriguez and Philip Anthony Donnell, sister Mary Tom (Dr. Roland) Haun, grandchildren Keaton James Rodriguez and Francesca Isabella Rodriguez. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011 at St. Stephens Catholic Community, Father Pat Kibby officiating. Honorary Pallbearers: Reverend Will Campbell, Jimmy McDowell, George Lowery, Edsel Pleming, Jim Johnson, Kenneth Nelson, Paul Pickney, John McBride, Dr. Angelo Canonico, Dr. Charles Carr, Harold Bradley, and Mickey Davis. Donations may be made to: Cumberland University Office of Advancement, St. Stephens Catholic Community, and/or Wilson Books From Birth. The family thanks Dr. Angelo Canonico and the nursing staff at St. Thomas Hospital.