James W. Donahue

James W. Donahue, Jr., age 73, passed away in the arms of his loving wife, Barbara, Saturday, June 18th, at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich, MA. Born on August 13, 1942 in Norwood, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late James W. and Arlene V. (Ober) Donahue. Raised in Walpole, he played football and hockey and was a graduate of Walpole High School, Class of 1960.

Jim spent his childhood summers by the seashore in Falmouth, and learned a love of the sea and serving others. On one vacation, at the young age of 15, he made his first heroic act of saving a young girl from drowning. The idea of service would become an important part of Jim's life.

After graduating from high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1960-1964. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Guam as an Airman 2nd Class where he cleared runways for forward deployed forces. Later, he was stationed in Laramie, Wyoming, earning his honorable discharge while there in 1964. Jim then turned to his entrepreneurial side when he purchased a wheelbarrow and a posthole digger to establish a successful fencing company. He eventually heard the call of service again though, becoming a Laramie Firefighter while still there.

Jim always missed his beloved hometown of Walpole, eventually returning in 1975. This time he served on the police force. Jim was a Walpole Police Officer (beginning in 1975) and then promoted to Detective (retiring in 1999). While serving on the police department, he earned his BS in Law Enforcement and worked alongside his Dad installing windows and doors.
Upon his retirement in 1999, Jim and his wife Barbara settled in Chatham surrounded by his love of the sea. Their house was filled with joy and laughter from friends and visiting family, especially his 5 grandchildren whom he adored! Jim and Barbara also enjoyed traveling throughout the Caribbean with many of their wonderful friends.
This humble hero wore many hats and badges not only within his community but most importantly his family. To some he was Jim, Jimmy, Dunny and Detective Donahue. To his family he was a Son, Brother, Uncle, Husband, Father and Grandfather "Grampy". This courageous man served his community, his country and his family with love, honor and integrity. May he be an inspiration to us all.

Jim was the beloved husband of Barbara (Paglari) Donahue.
He was the loving father of Danielle and her husband Kevin Anderson of N. Kingstown, RI, Warren and his wife Kimberly Plante of N. Attleboro, and the late Michael Donahue.
He was the cherished grandfather of Bryson, Isabel, Molly, Travis and James.
Jim was the brother of Donna J. and her husband Ralph DelMonico of Yarmouthport.
He is also survived by his favorite niece Maura Chadwick of Dracut.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's Life Celebration on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 3-7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Friday at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

The family would like to send their deepest gratitude for the loving care he received while at home from his nurse Kristin and his aide Steve. Most recently all the love and support from everyone at the McCarthy Care Center. In lieu of flowers, donations are be made to Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.