James Allabaugh McDonnell, Jr., 73, died Dec. 21 of cardiac arrest at his home in Reston.
Born in Maple Shade, N.J., he attended Ohio State University and received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree in events planning from Boston University.
After serving in the Air Force from 1948 to 1968 as a major who dealt mostly with personnel issues, McDonnell went to work for the Air Force Association as director of special events. He was a board member of the nation’s capital chapter and retired in 2000 after 23 years with the association.
McDonnell volunteered for the association after retirement and also worked with the Aerospace Education Foundation. He was a member of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Reston.
A son, James, preceded him in death in 1998. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, June McDonnell of Reston; three children, Cheryl McDonnell of Reston, Michael McDonnell of Reston and Kevin McDonnell of Spotsylvania; a sister, Arlene Twilley of Sicklerville, N.J.; a brother Joseph McDonnell of North Wales, Pa.; and six grandchildren.