Fr James A O’Donnell SJ, 1931–2021 (Memo U2122-045)

 

 

 

With deep sadness, we inform the University community of the passing away of Fr James A O’Donnell SJ early this morning, 13 December 2021. He was 90 years old.

Fr Jim was one of the pillars of teacher education and educational administration in Ateneo de Manila and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, a distinction which was recognized by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU), which he served in various capacities since 1973. His book, For the Chosen Few: A Guide to Classroom Supervision, preserves the invaluable knowledge and wisdom of Fr Jim, garnered from his decades-long experience as an educator’s educator.

Fr Jim entered the Society on 30 July 1948 and was ordained a priest on 7 June 1961.

Given pandemic considerations, Fr Jim’s remains will be cremated and the ashes brought to the Jesuit Health and Wellness Center for in-house memorial Masses there and at other communities on campus. The funeral Mass will be on Saturday, 18 December 2021, at 8:00 am, followed by interment in the Province Cemetery at Sacred Heart Novitiate.

We request the Ateneo community to keep Fr James A O’Donnell SJ and his Jesuit brothers in your prayers.

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Eternal rest grant unto Fr Jim, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. 
May he rest in peace. Amen.