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James Paul Donahoe, 80, Essex

James Paul Donahoe, 80, of Essex, died on May 8 at his home.  He was the husband and best friend to Eileen O’Rourke Donahoe. Jim was born on Aug. 19, 1932, the oldest son of the late John and Vivian Donahoe, formerly of Ferncliffe Villa in Baltic. As a youngster, Jim recalled his grandfather’s woolen mill that supplied uniforms for the U.S. armed services fighting on the European front.  He could recount those days of manufacturing and commerce with clarity, sprinkled with humorous nuggets of history.  Jim was proud of his roots and had a deep appreciation for the extraordinary opportunities that make our nation great.  He was a gentleman, a caring teacher, and a proud former U.S. Marine.

In addition to his love of family and history, Jim was an avid reader.  For many years, he taught United States history at Nathan Hale-Ray School in East Haddam. He was a graduate of the Connecticut State University system and held master’s degree in U. S. history and a sixth year diploma in administration. 

Jim boasted that his students were his greatest teachers, and he valued the lessons each one taught him. Each one of them was remembered by the name, “Tiger.” 

Jim will be remembered as a  lovable, positive person, caring and generous, smart, funny and always ready to learn!

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother Robert Donahoe and wife Joyce of Eastham, Massachusetts;  three nephews, John Donahoe and his wife Debra of Wethersfield, Todd Donahoe and wife Amy of  Harvard, Massachusetts, and Joseph Donahoe and his wife Stacy of East Lyme; his sister-in-law Teresa Donahoe and her husband William of Rocky Hill; his brother-in-law Thomas O’Rourke of New Haven; and two sisters in-law, Mary Larke and her husband Richard of Portland  and Kathy Murphy and her husband William of Orange  He was also the loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews throughout  the U.S.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and William.   

At the family’s request, services will be private.  As a private pilot, Jim requested that Oak Grove Cremation Services fly his remains over the Connecticut River Valley in a final salute to the towns where he lived, loved, and served, East Haddam and Essex.  In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to the Essex (CT) Library, 30 West Ave., Essex, CT 06426, or to the Fencing Club at Hale-Ray High School.