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A patriot died on Patriot’s day. Staff Sergeant James E. Donegan, of Marion, died at 11:11 p.m Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, in the Marion General Hospital. He was formerly of Prospect.
On Feb. 21, 1936, he was born in Dunkirk, a son of the late Edward and Bertha Messenger Donegan. His mother died when Jim was eight years old, and he was raised in foster homes in Delaware, Ohio, and attended Delaware High School.
When Jim was 17 years old, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve his beloved country. After 20 years of service, he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was cited for meritorious service from December 1953 through December 1973. During this period, Sgt. Donegan served with distinction in various locations including Europe, Korea, France, Vietnam, Ft. Knox, Ky; Ft. Jackson, S.C.; and Ft. Campbell, Ky.
In each of his assignments, his expertise and intense professionalism earned him the respect and admiration of all with whom he served.
Throughout his long and faithful service, Sgt. Donegan demonstrated unwavering devotion to duty as a wheel vehicle driver, squad leader, platoon sergeant and instructor. SSgt. Donegan culminated his illustrious Army career as Squad Leader, 594th Transportation Company, Ft. Campbell, Ky. His intelligence, diligence and complete dedication were distinct assets to each command with which he served and are reflected in the many outstanding accomplishments throughout his 20 years of service to his country, such as earning two bronze stars, one with an oak leaf cluster, good conduct medals (six awards) with four overseas service stripes, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with seven campaign stars, Republic of Vietnam with 60 devices, National Defense Service Medal with an oak leaf cluster, Korean Service Medal and a sharpshooter expert medal.
He retired from Ft. Campbell, Ky., home of the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles).
Upon his honorable discharge, Jim was employed as a welder and welding inspector with the former Marion Power Shovel from 1975 to 1989. He later worked private security at Nestle’s in Marysville for 20 years, retiring in 2010.
Shortly after the military, Jim was married to the love of his life, Brenda Sickles, on June 4, 1976, at Mt. Victory United Methodist Church by the Rev. Floyd Jepsen.
A man of faith, Jim was a member of the Grand Prairie Baptist Church and formerly of the Prospect Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities. He also was a life member of the VFW Post 3313, and Marion Lodge 70, after unifications with the Prospect and Richwood lodges.
Sharing a love for travel, Jim, Brenda and their family traveled across much of the world together. They especially loved cruises, setting sail 20 times, making several trips to the Caribbean and to Alaska.
To say Jim was meticulous in everything he did would be an understatement. His lawn was always immaculate, and the wood crafts he made precisely.
Simply put, Jim was an upstanding man in every way. He had an infectious smile, and lived life as a great role model for his children and grandchildren, all of whom he adored. To them, he will forever be their “hero.:
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Brenda Donegan; sons, James E. (Patricia) Donegan of Leesburg, Va., Kevin D. (Melissa) Price and Frederick A. Price, both of Marion; daughters: Dana (Phil) Price Larcomb of Charles Town, W.Va., and Danyelle (Jim) Donegan Issler of Prospect; two “adopted” daughters, Patti Garner and Penni May, both of Marion; 13 grandchildren, Scott (Shelly) Price, Shane Price, Brittany (Steve) Foster, Sharelle, Samantha and Austin Larcomb, James III, Julianna (Scott) Hembach and Britanny Donegan, Aaron Issler, Hunter Price and Emily Cramer; eight great-grandchildren, Austin Price, Karlee and Karson Price, Brian Price, Cole Foster, Lillian Carroll, Deacon Hembach and Kynleigh Milburn; brothers, Ray (Melissa) Donegan of Russells Point, Chuck (Barb) Donegan of Findlay and Tom Donegan of Kenton; sisters, Mary (the Rev. Ted) Elrod of Leesburg, Ala., Helen (Jon) Stefanka of Rawson, and Ann Fenstermaker of Findlay a brother-in-law, Craig (Sue) Sickles of Belle Center; several nieces and nephews; and Michael Donegan, Kim Rambeaux and Joey Gaines who Jim and Brenda also raised in their home for several years.
Including his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his children, Belinda Donegan, LuCinda Price and Brian Price; brother, Richard Donegan; mother-in-law, Eileen Griffis; father-in-law, Roy Sickles; brothers-in-law: Larry, Rick and Norm Sickles; and great-grandson, Brayden Blevins.
Calling is from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home, 347 W. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at the Grand Prairie Baptist Church, 4893 Marion-Upper Sandusky Road, Marion. A funeral procession follows to the Prospect Cemetery, where military honors will be performed by the U.S. Army and Marion County United Veterans Council.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Veterans Home, c/o Sweats for Vets, 3416 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870, and Grand Prairie Baptist Church, 4893 Marion-Upper Sandusky Rd., Marion, OH 43302.
Express condolences at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.