From a contemporary press report
James J. O’Donnell, 79, a retired Army colonel who later worked 25 years as a Northern Virginia real estate broker, died of cancer July 12, 1999 at Arlington Hospital, Virginia.
Colonel O’Donnell, a resident of Arlington, was born in Pittsburgh. He served 35 years in the Army before retiring 25 years ago; his career included service in World War II and in Vietnam. He served in artillery units and in the military police. He graduated from the University of Maryland.
He settled in the Washington area about 35 years ago.
In his real estate career, Colonel O’Donnell had worked with Jackman-Pulley real estate, owned and operated an Alexandria brokerage affiliated with Better Homes and Gardens Inc. and been associated with Harper Realty in McLean.
He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in McLean, the Knights of Columbus, the 29th Division Association and the 796th Military Police Battalion Association.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Pauline B. O’Donnell of Arlington; a son, Army Lieutenant Colonel James O’Donnell Jr. of Hampton, Va.; and two granddaughters.
O’DONNELL, JAMES JEROME
Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.)
On Monday, July 12, 1999, of Arlington, VA, beloved husband of Pauline B. O’Donnell; loving father of James J. O’Donnell, Jr. and the late Karen L. Young; grandfather of Shannon L. O’Donnell and Karen D. O’Donnell; brother of Alice Hickman. He is also survived by many nieces,
nephews and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, July 28 at 12:45 p.m. at the Ft. Myer Old Post Chapel. Interment to follow with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Army Emergency Relief Fund or the charity of your choice.
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard