Jack E. Donley, Sr., passed away quietly and peacefully at his home in Kennewick, Washington, on December 24, 2004. He was 89.

Jack was an only child, born July 6, 1915. He grew up mostly between the two Ohio cities of Cambridge and Columbus. He had lived in the Tri-Cities area since 1967.

When Jack was only 17, he won the Ohio State Typing Championship at a speed of 120 words per minute. Later he taught himself court reporting, a profession he would practice for the rest of his working life.

Jack enlisted in the Army shortly after Pearl Harbor was attacked, and he served in the Air Corps as a court reporter. Following his service, he returned to court reporting in the Cleveland area.

Jack eventually became president of the Cleveland Court Reporters Association and a partner in the firm of Reilander, Donley & Ferris. At one time he was also president of the Cleveland Dog Trainers Association.

Jack was a man of numerous interests and abilities. He enjoyed many happy hours building electronic organs and pianos from kits, which he usually donated to Tri-City churches.

After a few failed attempts at retiring, Jack finally succeeded at age 78. His love for the profession continued, however, and he taught court reporting from his home until he was well into his 80s.

Jack leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Beulah Donley, his son, Jack Donley Jr. and wife Kim, his daughter, Rebecca Donley and husband Paul Soboleski, his stepdaughter Karen Coulson and husband Dave, his stepdaughter Donna Gilpin, and four grandchildren.

A celebration of Jack’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 30 at Columbia Community Church, 150 Gage Blvd., Richland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Tri-City Hospice, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336; The Gideons International, 944 Brown St., Prosser, WA 99350; or Columbia Community Church, 150 Gage Blvd., Richland, WA 99352.