JOHN O’DONNELL …
Passing peacefully on April 22, 2026, NMRA Hall of Famer John O’Donnell ended a distinguished and well-lived life at the age of 96. The 34-year military veteran had enlisted right after high school, then flown in the Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam wars and risen to the rank of colonel. While deployed, he picked up racquetball during his second tour of duty, then honed his court skills after re-entering civilian life as Director of Facilities at the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. After full retirement in 1994, he continued to conduct numerous free clinics each year at the facility, devoting countless service hours to the Champaign-Urbana community over 40+ years.
With his resignation from the ISRA Board in January, the Illinois State Racquetball Association had recognized John for his exemplary volunteer service between 2012-2026. Across those many terms, John represented and supported local players, while also leading by example with inductions into both the ISRA HOF in 2006, and the NMRA Hall of Fame in 2011 for his on-court prowess. His competitive record, in singles and doubles, spanned from the 1970’s to his final pair of title wins, captured in June 2019 at the NMRA International Championships held at Glass Court in Lombard, Illinois.
View >> Obituary | ISRA BOD Honors | NMRA HOF Presentation
Compiled by Linda Mojer, from original ISRA material by Cheryl Kirk, plus published accounts and presentations.
