Gerald O'Donnell
April 29, 1946 - May 24, 2020
Obituary
A cab over Peterbilt rolled up and the door opened for Gerald James (Jim) O'Donnell on May 24, 2020 for one last ride. COPD had taken his body but never his spirit. This man had a Rand McNally of a life, with hundreds of thousands of miles logged across this country in doubles and a passenger bus with a big grey dog on the side. “Leave the Driving to Us,” truly his life motto. A 1964 West High graduate, he enjoyed palling around with his brothers (Dick and Tim) and buddies (Don and Ronnie), Christmas Eve with his Momma (Ann), cinnamon bears, tinkering on Johnny the old tractor or the 23 Model T with Daddy (Jerry), crisp bacon on Sundays, cats no one wanted and fountain Pepsi! Adventures of 74 years to note were joining the Navy and seeing the world. Later, he said too much of his world tour was spent in Vietnam, but he particularly enjoyed Australia & New Zealand. Lonny Bell's Classic Country playing in his red 1968 Ford 428CJ Cobra Fairlane, late nights at the Hangin Tree, and later in life, Caribbean Drummer concerts on the weekends. Though he was often on the road, his family was lovingly in his heart. Sue (wife), Kent (son) and Lyndee (daughter) were a welcome sight after a 5 day run. When possible, the family would travel together, and one special ride was seeing the sights of Yellowstone in a 40-passenger touring bus all to themselves. Jim and Sue instilled in their children, do what is right, work until the light is gone, never pick on the little guy and the only cars worth having go into gear with a stick shift. He gifted his son with the ability to drive like a banshee and always keep tires on the pavement and his daughter inherited his kind, gentle, friendly nature. Being “Papa” to Iverson and Annalie was of great joy to him. Grandchildren supplied him with more family to love immensely and share his fondness of old cars, stray cats, and candy bars with. Jim had deep roots in the Billings community, and we would be honored if you could join us to celebrate his life on June 27, 2020, at 1:00pm at Johnson's Barn, 3245 So. 64th St West.
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Memories
JJ
John Johnson
Other •
R.I.P. Jim. I only knew Jim from when he was driving trucks for Associated Foods. I worked at the Warehouse Market in Sheridan, Wyoming in the early 1970s and we received deliveries from Associated Foods in Billings, Montana. Jim always had great stories to tell, but always remember him explaining to me all the gears used in the semi-truck he drove. John Johnson
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Barbara McGirl
Other •
Goodbye old friend. I am so happy that you had such a full and happy life and packed as much as you could into those 74 years. I was so surprised and happy to see you at my Mom’s funeral. It was great to catch up and see you one last time. You will always have a special place in my heart. We loved our cars and I remember when you got the 1964 Mercury Comet and we took it to the drag races I’m Wyoming. Godspeed Jim you will be truly missed. Blessings and prayers to your family and friends.♥️ Barbara McGirl
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Cheryl Pietz Ehrmantraut
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RIP dear friend. I remember spending time going to "drag" races and just hanging around prior to your enlistment. Special memories of "raising a little ruckus" as we called it and then got the stuffed animal we named "ruckus". I have enjoyed our visits over the years as well, sharing information about mutual friends as their lives would change and sadly attending the services of several that we have lost over the years. I will miss our phone visits and that laugh . Breathe easy Jim! Sincere condolences to the family. I am so sorry for your loss--God Bless you. In Sadness, Cheryl Pietz Ehrmantraut
JM
Jon E. Miller
Other •
The men and mates of the USS Mullany would like to extend their condolences to the family of Jim and to thank you for his service to our country. We will properly honor him at our 2020 reunion by ringing the ship's bell in his name.
Your USS Mullany Reunion Family
SB
Sandra Cooper and Bruce Blevins
Other •
Dear Kent, Our hearts will be with you, Sue, Lyndee and JuDee during the memorial. Love, Sandra Cooper, and Bruce Blevins.
PM
Phill Key and Donna McCool
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With heartfelt condolences. We are so sorry for your loss.