James Frances Donohue

On July 10,2021 James "Sonny" Frances Donohue passed surrounded by his family.  He was 89.

Sonny is a proud Calvert Hall High School and Loyola College graduate.  He played basketball and baseball at both levels and coached many years.  He shared his talents with many youth throughout Baltimore City and later with Linthicum Ferndale Youth League where both he and his wife Gloria developed the youth basketball league and girls softball.  Many of his student athletes went on to play at the collegiate level.  His positive influence on youth developing athletes and better citizens is reflective in his 11 children and 30 grandchildren.  He dedicated his life to the Catholic church and the blessed mother and the rosary.  He loved attending his grand children's events in addition to athletic games and other events in addition to celebrating their accomplishments.  His sense of humor and passion for laughter and joy will be forever cherished.  He loved playing Santa Claus' helper at George T. Cromwell Elementary school and family gatherings and visiting every classroom handing out candy canes and singing Christmas Carols with the children.  He loved his work in the trucking industry.  After 35 plus years as a sales manager at Preston he continued working part time until he was 84.   He was well known as the "President" of the traffic club and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining customers.  He loved traveling with his wife to horse tracks, casinos, the beach and across the country visiting family.

He was a beloved and devoted husband to Gloria Donohue for 55 years.  He leaves to mourn 11 children and their spouses, Jim J. Donohue, Syleste Schmedes (Gary), Henry Donohue (Darlene), Cath Schweitzer (Danny), Joe Donohue (Diane), Gerard Donohue (Alison), Patrick Donohue (Pamela), Monica Karousos, Mary Schaner (Scott), Mike Donohue Teresa Moyer (Shawn).   He also leaves behind 30 grandchildren whom he cherished, Angela Karousos, Andrea Donohue, Mark Donohue, Mary Fraley (Shane), Spiro Karousos, Cory Schweitzer (Meg), Amanda Donohue,  Stephanie Donohue, Gary Schmedes Jr., Elizabeth Schmedes, Christie Sylvester (Tim), Michael Karousos ( Caitlin), Ryan Donohue (Taylor), James Donohue, Katherine Schaner, Sal Schaner, Andrew Donohue, Christopher Donohue, Rachel Donohue, Jacob Donohue, Evan Donohue, Matthew Donohue, Michael Schaner, Hannah Donohue, Erin Schaner, Patrick Moyer, Jenna Donohue, Marianna Donohue, Maresa Moyer, Madelinn Moyer, and one beloved great-grandchild, Dominik Schweitzer. He leaves behind one sister-in-law Margaret Zinder, two brothers-in-law Herb Zinder and Bill Larkin and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family of James would appreciate your support in a cause dear to him; Defending the life of the unborn.

Donations are welcome in his name to:        Defend Life,           www.defendlife.org

                                          or by mail to:                                       PO Box 5427

                                                                                                     Baltimore, Maryland 21285

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