James F. O’Donnell
elevated AVtt9 February 27, 1937 – May 20, 2025
elevated AVtt9 It is with heavy hearts that we share the peaceful passing of James (Jim) O’Donnell on May 20, 2025, at Glynnwood Retirement Residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old.
elevated AVtt9 Jim was born in Toronto, Ontario, on February 27, 1937, and was a devoted husband to Sandra for nearly 61 years. He was a loving father to Shannon (Mark), Megan (Peter), and Erin (Andrew), and a proud grandfather to Aidan, Brooke, Kian, Jamison, Kiefer, Finleigh, and Declan. Jim is predeceased by his parents Albert and Grace O’Donnell and his sister, Kathleen Leslie.
elevated AVtt9 Jim was a man of immense heart, insatiable curiosity, and endless generosity. He had an extraordinary love of family, travel, and above all, people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and had a unique gift for making everyone feel seen and valued.
elevated AVtt9 A cornerstone of Jim’s personal life was Mansfield Ski Club, where he and his family have found a treasured community of friends. His passion for skiing led him to create the Ontario Handicapped Skiing Program, opening the slopes to individuals of all abilities. He was also a steadfast supporter of the Special Olympics. He was deeply dedicated to youth development through sport and was a passionate supporter of ski racing programs, always encouraging young athletes to pursue excellence while embracing the joy and camaraderie of the slopes.
elevated AVtt9 Jim’s career in Canada’s financial industry was groundbreaking. He joined Mackenzie Financial Corporation in 1974, playing a pivotal role in transforming it into one of the country’s most successful mutual fund companies. Recognized as a master marketer and industry innovator, Jim pioneered several foundational elements of the Canadian mutual fund landscape and became one of the most influential figures in the investment community.
elevated AVtt9 In 1995, Jim founded O’Donnell Investment Management Corp., which quickly became one of the fastest-growing mutual fund firms in the country. His entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and commitment to excellence left an enduring mark on Canada’s financial services sector.
elevated AVtt9 Throughout his career, Jim mentored countless individuals, giving many their first opportunity in business and guided them with wisdom, trust, and encouragement. His ability to recognize potential and his generosity in sharing his time and insight helped shape the careers and lives of many, creating a ripple effect of leadership and integrity that will endure for generations.
elevated AVtt9 Beyond business, Jim was deeply committed to giving back. He spearheaded the O’Donnell Challenge for Charity, a major philanthropic initiative that raised funds for 41 children’s charities through the Molson Indy Festival Foundation, exemplifying his lifelong dedication to helping others, a wonderful example where he channeled his enthusiasm for the sport of car racing into meaningful community impact.
elevated AVtt9 Jim’s passion for car racing also led to his induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2009, recognizing his influential role in motorsports. Through his unwavering support, Jim forged many cherished friendships in the racing community and saw countless shared successes along the way.
elevated AVtt9 Jim knew all too well however, that true victories aren’t just won on the track, the slopes or boardroom, but in the lives we touch along the way.
elevated AVtt9 The outpouring of love and support from friends, colleagues, and the broader community at this time has been deeply appreciated by Jim’s family. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his compassion, leadership, and unwavering optimism.
elevated AVtt9 Jim’s family would like to give special thanks to his caregivers, Tracy and Rolly, for their love, dedication and compassion over the last two years.
elevated AVtt9 In keeping with Jim’s wishes, a Funeral Mass has already taken place in private.
elevated AVtt9 In honour of Jim O’Donnell, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Baycrest Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Jim and Sandra well from the Sovereign Restaurant in Creemore and his generosity to my nephews over the years. Our deepest condolences to the entire O’Donnell family at this very sad time.
Fondly remember Jim and family from long ago at the Sovereign in Creemore! Condolences to the family!
I am so sorry Erin and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May his memory be a blessing.
Erin, Andrew and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and send our deepest condolences with huge hugs.
The Kalks
So sorry for your loss. He was my Dad’s friend from his Leaside days. Loved the stories of the mischief that they would get into.
He was a bright light that will continue to shine down from above.
I am so sorry for your loss. His obituary is beautifully written and captures the amazing person he was. Jim was also a huge part of my life and gave me the opportunity to meet some amazing people and travel the world! It was a privilege to work for him and I will never take this for granted. Sandra, Shannon, Megan, Erin and their families were also an important part of the 21 years I worked for him! My sincere condolences.
I have so many fond memories of Jimmy. He was our neighbour at Mansfield. Although I was the ultimate little brat, he was so kind to me. Loved our pizza on the deck.
I am thinking about all of you in this time. Shannon, Megan, Erin, and Sandy – please accept my deepest condolences.
Everyone should be so blessed and fortunate to have a person like Jim come into their life.
Jim was a dear friend & mentor of mine. Like many people he touched during his amazing career in the investment industry I will be forever grateful for how he changed my life.
Too many fond memories.
Our deepest condolences to Sandra, Shannon, Megan & Erin
So sorry for your loss and condolences to the entire family. Jim was such a welcoming and kind figure when I arrived at Mansfield. Warm and funny and always with a kind word and a deep love for Mansfield. I will remember him fondly!
Dave and Amy Morrison
I am sad….I grew up with Jim…we were together at our public school, in early grades… Davisville…we visited when there was a celebration for their 100th Anniversary.
Would love to speak with sister Kathy may I connect with her?
To Mrs. O’Donnell,
My condolences from an old student of yours from Precious Blood days.
Our sincere condolences to the O’Donnell family. My father, Bill Crerar, worked with Jim at Mackenzie and we have such fond memories of Jim’s outgoing personality. When Jim heard that we would be traveling in Europe on our honeymoon in 1983, he arranged a number of extraordinary, unforgettable experiences through his many contacts. We will always be thankful for his thoughtfulness.
Kelly and Jamie Kirkland