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November 4, 1956 – Saturday, January 6, 2018

Service Information

NO SERVICES WILL BE HELD

Visitation Information

James P. McDonnell, III, 61, of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on November 4, 1956 in Altus, Oklahoma to James P. and Jean (Wandersee) McDonnell, Jr.

Jim graduated from Buffalo High School in 1975. He attended college at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Jim worked at the Wright County Journal-Press for several years before moving out to California to work for the Santa Barbara News-Press in advertising sales. He worked there for a few years. He returned home to Buffalo and worked at the Wright County Journal-Press and The Drummer as the advertising manager and co-owner.

Jim and Kristine Knese were united in marriage on February 24, 2001 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, grilling, motorcycling, and raising Gordon Setter dogs.

Jim is survived by his wife of 16 years, Kris; children: Alexia (Tim) Dahlke of Plymouth, Philip Knese of Barnum, and Nicholas (Amber) Knese of Buffalo; five grandchildren: Gabriel Knese, Alivia Knese, Addie Dahlke, Blake Dahlke, and Vincent Knese; mother Jean McDonnell, of Buffalo; sister Cathy (Frank) Schiefelbein III, of Kimball; and brother Tom (Char) McDonnell, of Buffalo; brothers and sisters in law: Lynn (John) Dinsmore, of Maple Lake, Missy (Rob) Walton, of Pequot Lakes, and Michael (Kim) Pierson, of Brainerd; aunt Marilyn Legacy, of Surprise, Arizona; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, James McDonnell, Jr.

A private inurnment will take place with his family.

22 Guestbook Entries

  1. Kent Mainquist

    To my close high school friend! So many fun memories. My heart grieves.

    Reply
  2. Heide Ludwig

    My heart is very heavy right now. I cannot express how sad I am over Jimmy’s passing. I have many fond memories of him. My condolences to his family.

    Reply
  3. Linda Brown Vollbrecht

    My deepest sympathy for your heartbreaking loss.. Jim was much to young to leave this world yet.

    Reply
  4. Linda Brown Vollbrecht

    Sending prayers & hugs your way… Love ya..

    Reply
  5. Cathy Quady

    I am so saddened to hear about Jim’s death. He was a gentle spirit. My deepest sympathies to the family.

    Reply
  6. Cathy Riebel

    I will miss Jim’s quick wit and genuine smile that spread to those twinkling blue eyes. RIP old friend, and hope there are hunting grounds in heaven!

    Reply
  7. Kris (Wolff) Klatt

    I was so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a special person. My heartfelt sympathy to his family…

    Reply
  8. Teri Durant-Nelson

    Dear Tom and Family – My deepest sympathy

    Reply
  9. Bruce Varner

    So sad to hear of Jims passing.He will be missed

    Reply
  10. Scott Devitt

    Great memories were made with Jim. Always a day brightener to talk to. Jim shall be missed. See you again my Friend.

    Reply
  11. Cathy Riebel

    I will miss Jim’s quick wit and genuine smile that spread to those twinkling blue eyes. RIP old friend, and hope there are hunting grounds in heaven!

    Reply
  12. Norita Sanderson

    We were so saddened to learn of the passing of Jimmy tonight. Jimmy III was way too young to leave us. Our sincere sympathy to the entire McDonnell family. Riti and Bob Sanderson

    Reply
  13. Betty & George McAlpine

    Jean and family;
    Sad to her of Jim’s passing. Our prayers are with the family.
    Betty and George

    Reply
  14. Al & Carol Hoekstra

    Our love, prayers and hugs to your dear family at this difficult time.

    Reply
  15. Janice Luoma

    My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. He will always be with you in your hearts with all of the memories you have.

    Reply
  16. Harlan @ Yvonne Grangroth

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He will be missed by so many. God bless.

    Reply
  17. John Charles Farrell

    Gonna miss the chances to try another wee dram of Single Malt with Jim at the Crow River place and talk about dogs, double guns, hunting trips and good books.

    Reply
  18. Del Haag

    Thoughts and prayers to the Family, Cherish the memories.

    Reply
  19. Jef and Tammy Oliver

    So very sorry to hear about Jim passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  20. Ric Seashore

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with your family.

    Reply
  21. Sandi Robasse

    Saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Tons of fun memories from high school.

    Reply
  22. Corey Fobbe

    Tom, we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this tough time.
    Jerry, Karen and Corey Fobbe

    Reply

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