James “Jim” Francis Donahue passed away unexpectedly on September 21, 2024. Jim, aka Donut, Tuna, and lovingly by his family as “Jimbo” was born on August 8, 1963, to Tom and JoAnn Donahue, in North St Paul, MN, later moving to Madison, WI. Jim was well known on the Northside of Madison, where he spent most of his childhood and his entire adulthood. He graduated from East High School in 1982.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman and found the most peace on the lake or in the woods. He was a conservationist by nature and enjoyed teaching others how to respect nature as well as enjoy it. Growing up in Cherokee, he was afforded a great deal of freedom to cultivate this love. He spent countless hours fishing on the lake and exploring the woods and marsh with his family and friends.

While he loved the outdoors, his true loves were his family and friends. He was a devoted son, especially as our parents aged. He was a faithful visitor after the Sunday farmers market, delivering Dad cheese curds and a bouquet of fresh cut flowers for Mom. He was the first in the door for our smaller family gatherings, and often the last to leave. He was responsible for most of the additional brothers that joined our family as teenagers, as his friends were his family and as such ours. There are countless stories of the shenanigans that took place when Mom and Dad were gone. Jim was often responsible for breaking the news or taking the fall. Let’s face it, we knew they couldn’t get nearly as mad at him as the rest of us.

Jimbo was the life of the party. Always willing to have a good time and very often responsible for it. Whether it was at a local establishment, a fishing tournament, the casino, a family reunion, the little league field, or his other favorite places, he made it fun and enjoyable for those around him. His smile, dimples and laughter could fill the room. He brought a smile to whomever he interacted with and treated everyone he met with kindness and respect.

Jim is survived by his siblings Kathy (Doug), Tim (Kim), Maureen (Dick), Jeff (Rhonda), Pat and Kelly (Matt). He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews Amanda (Ross), Katie, Mitchell, Ellen (Mitch), Erin (Chris), Casey (Meghan) and Devin (McKenzie) and great niece and nephews Henry, Adelaide and Theo. He is also survived by a large clan of Donahue and Berends families. Additionally, he is survived by his lifelong friend, confidant, and adventure buddy Pat Gaffney. He could always count on the families of Mike Finnegan and Steve Burton, whom he met during his 42 years working in maintenance.

Sadly, Jim also suffered many medical issues and surgeries from the time he was a child. This caused a great deal of pain in his life and robbed him of the things he loved the most. Most probably didn’t know of his suffering, due to his outgoing nature and love for fun and laughter. Frankly, he wouldn’t want to burden you with his pain. He would rather help you with yours. While we are devastated that he chose to leave the physical pain behind, we are searching for comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering. We ask you to join us in the compassionate understanding of his decision.

When you are wandering the farmer’s market, think of Jim. Nibbling on curds, choosing the perfect bouquet, eating a freshly picked apple or watching the sun rise or set, think of him. Please, when you wet a line or sit in your favorite blind, fascinate at a stubborn weed, or watch the birds soar high above, think of him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 5460 Mary Lake Rd, Westport, WI. Visitation will take place from 4:30-7:00 p.m., Friday, October 25 at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, as well as, one hour prior to the Mass, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the church.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

James Donahue

August 08, 1964 - September 21, 2024

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