DONNELLY, James Leo Donnelly

James Leo Donnelly of Huntsville, Ontario (formerly Burlington), passed away peacefully at Muskoka Shores surrounded by family on November 27th, 2025 following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Beloved husband and best friend to Gail Donnelly (Eberley), and a father beyond compare to Laura Donnelly. Fondly remembered, by his son in law Greg Williamson. Peyton and James, his cherished grandchildren, will feel his absence deeply. Warmly remembered by his step grandchildren, Adam, Kristyn & Ryan Williamson, Holly, Jojo, Kate & Aidan. He will be extremely missed by his sister, Colleen, Mary Ann and brother Ed & wife Jan. All of his nieces and nephews will hold his memory close. He will be dearly missed by all of his cherished four-legged friends. He will be greeted with open arms by his sisters Dolores and Judy.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, James was a man defined by his fierce devotion to his family and a heart that seemed to have room for everyone. He dedicated 59 years of his life to trucking with J.D. Smith & Sons, where his remarkable work ethic, steady presence, and quiet pride became part of the company’s foundation. He had a lifelong love for driving; to him, the road was more than pavement—it was freedom, possibility, and peace. Whether it was a short errand or miles of open highway, he welcomed every journey with a smile, always ready for whatever adventure waited beyond the next turn.

His younger years in the rodeo shaped him in ways that never left him. The early mornings, dust-filled arenas, and long days under the sun built his grit, his laughter, and the unmistakable cowboy spirit he carried throughout his life. It was in that rugged world that he found more than stories—through the love of horses he found the love of his life, the partner who rode beside him through every chapter that followed.

James’s sense of humour was one of his greatest gifts. sharp, unexpected, and full of warmth, it had a way of lighting up any room he entered. He could break tension with a single line, draw out laughter from the quietest corners, and remind others that even in hard times, joy still had a place. His wit was quick, but never unkind—always rooted in love, connection, and the simple desire to make others smile. It’s a legacy of laughter that will echo in the hearts of all who knew him.

He lived with an immense heart, extraordinary courage, and a spirit that never stopped moving forward, leaving behind memories as warm and enduring as the trails he once rode. There will never be anyone like him. The way he lived, laughed, and loved was uniquely his own, and those who knew him will carry the imprint of his life with them always. He touched lives in ways that cannot be repeated, and his memory will forever stand alone.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026—a heartfelt tribute to all the things James cherished: country music, his love for food, unforgettable stories shared among family and friends, and the joy of simply being together. Details will be shared at a later date.