James McDonell - Obituary

n Sunday, March 7, 2010; the beloved husband of Donna J. McDonell; father of David J.(Barbara), Jeffrey A. and Vincent E.(Carol) McDonell; brother of Bonnie M. Cranston. He is also survived by many grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to Mr. McDonell's Life Celebration at Unity Presbyterian Church, 4401 Brinkley Rd., Camp Springs, MD 20744 on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 11am until time of service at 12 noon. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the church. James E. McDonell (78) James E. McDonell of Upper Marlboro, MD. passed away on March 7, 2010 at Doctors Community Hospital. Born in Huron, South Dakota on March 13, 1931, son of Donald and Edna McDonell both deceased. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Donna Jean McDonell, and his sister, Bonnie Cranston, of Sacramento, CA. Also survived by his children David McDonell and wife Barbara McDonell of Waldorf, MD., Jeff McDonell of Jacksonville, FL., Vince McDonell and wife Carol McDonell, of Berwyn Heights, MD. and beloved grandchildren. He graduated from Huron College in Huron, South Dakota with a BS in Chemistry and Texas A&M College, in College Station, TX with a MS in meteorology and additional graduate work at Penn State University, State College PA. He was a retired meteorologist of 33 years for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He was a member of the American Meteorological Society Emeritus. He received the Bronze Medal of Honor from the Commerce Department. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. He served as manager of the Andrews Air Force Base Duplicate Bridge Club for 11 years. He enjoyed the challenges of playing difficult classical piano and catching the largest bass.