JAMES DONAHUE

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• The first time I heard Jim he was annoying a man in the audience because he was taking a while tuning his guitar and telling a story; play the song, the man called out. When Jim sang I was astonished by his voice. I remember Jim on Osborne, sitting at a table with a deck of Tarot cards. I'd see him at different coffee houses throughout the city. I always thought that his voice and his feet carried Winnipeg. He was the real deal, a genuine artist who lived his art. - Posted by: Patrick Friesen (Friend) on: May 04, 2025

• In 1963 I travelled from Ohio to Stratford for the Shakespearean festival with my sister and my cousin. I was only thirteen at the time. After going to one of the plays we discovered The Three Ravens Coffee House and walked in as Jim Donahue was on stage performing. I will always remember what an excellent musician he was, as well as what a kind person he was. After his performance he came to our table and we talked to him for a while. He very kindly walked us home to the Bed and Breakfast place we were staying at and we all said our goodbyes. We never forgot Jim and what a kind person and fine folk singer he was. - Posted by: Marye Shinn (Heard him play at The Three Ravens Coffee House in 1964. I was only 13 yrs old and Hamad travelled ) on: Nov 15, 2021

• I knew Jim from Grant Park High School. He inspired me to take up folk music but I was never as good as him. He was a kind and gifted musician....he will be missed. Rest in peace Jim. - Posted by: bernie barsky (friend) on: Oct 21, 2018

• Jim reminds me of the heros of the romantic era. He would not have been out of place in Byron's time. I have a memory of him at Kildonan Park. He was supposed to be doing a concert at the theater but security thought differently and wouldn't let anyone in, informing us it was cancelled. I guess they had their wires crossed. They also got their knickers in a knot because Jim's response was to sit down on the grass and play for all the people who had shown up to hear him. - Posted by: Ann La Touche (Friend) on: Mar 08, 2018

• I knew Jim in the late 60’s in Winnipeg. I remember him as a kind and gentle guitar player. I hope his life was good. Condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Mary-Lou Storey (Friend from long ago. ) on: Mar 02, 2018

• I remember Jim as a wonderful, charismatic folk singer in the 1960s. I sought out Jim last year to thank him for a song he used to sing to close his concerts with- a song I sang to all 5 of my daughters growing up. I "found him at Poseiden Nursing Home and struck up a friendship with him. it was a thrill to bring that song back to him- he had forgotten it. He told me stories of his career and we shared many musical memories. I wish I had sought him out sooner but still it was a pleasure getting to know him. My condolences to his family and to his friend Jen. Phil Veness - Posted by: Philip Veness () on: Feb 28, 2018

• Truly a local legend. His talent, sensibilities, and vulnerability were so alive, so tangible. - Posted by: Francis Trueman (Friend) on: Feb 27, 2018

• Whenever I saw Jimmy, I knew there would be more than general chat about the weather. And even if the weather was the subject, he still challenged my mind to think beyond the mundane. Such an intriguing, talented person and I always pictured him being a presence throughout the city in so many lives. Thinking of you. - Posted by: Jane Stewart (Family friend) on: Feb 27, 2018