Our Staff

Born and raised in America’s Hometown, James J. O’Donnell, graduated from Hannibal High School, has an Associate of Arts Degree from Hannibal LaGrange College and a Bachelor of Science in History from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. O'Donnell also holds an Associate of Mortuary Science Degree from Kansas City, Kansas Community College, and is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in both Missouri and Illinois.

In the spring of 2012 Jim was appointed by Missouri Governor, Jay Nixon to the Truman State University Board of Governors in Kirksville, MO. Jim is also a member of the Missouri Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Associaton,National Funeral Directors Association, past member of board of directors for the Hannibal YMCA, member of the Hannibal Park Board,member of the Hannibal Arts Council Board, member of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and Trust Company Advisory Board, past member of the board of directors for Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce, member of Early Bird Kiwanis, member of the Hannibal Elks Lodge #1198, member of the men's auxillary at the Hannibal Veterans of Foreign War #2446, member of Hannibal Knights of Columbus Council #907, and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Brad is a full partner, Funeral Director and Embalmer. Brad grew up and worked on the family farm North of Monroe City. He graduated from Monroe City High School in 1994 and started working at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal while pursuing his Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College. He completed coursework from KCKCC in 1997 and is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.

After receiving his Associates Degree, he continued to work at the funeral home for many years learning under the leadership of the late James “Big Jim” O’Donnell.  Brad began selling real estate with the CENTURY 21 Broughton Team and went on to start investing in real estate.  He maintained his funeral director license and always remained active from time to time in funeral service. When presented with the opportunity to be involved with the James O’Donnell Life Celebration Home in his hometown of Monroe City and the James O’Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, Brad jumped at the chance to return to his lifelong passion. 

Brad is married to Jacki (Murphy) and they have three Children Keilynn (Trey), Thomas and Carley.  They also have 2 grandchildren, Haven and River.

Julie grew up in St. Charles County and moved to the farm in the Monroe City area in 2018. Julie has been married to her husband Doug since 1999. They have five great kids, Shane, Dana (Jacob), Karlie, Josie, Holden, and now three wonderful grandkids, Avery, Sydnie, and Levi.

She is a member of St. Stephens Catholic Church in Indian Creek, President of the Alter Society, and a member of the Religious Education Core Team.

She graduated from Fort Zumwalt North High School, after graduation she attended St. Charles Community College, and completed cosmetology school in St. Charles. She has been at O'Donnell-Thurman Life Celebration Home since her move in 2018.

 Julie enjoys family time, living the farm life,  and spending time with family and friends playing games. 

Thomas is our newest Funeral Director and Embamer Apprentice currently pursuing his degree in Mortuary Science at Des Moines Area Community College.

Thomas enjoys taking in the great outdoors as often as possible. He looks foward to time on the fam ily farm near Warren, hunting deer, ducks, geese and most recently learning the art of fly fishing with friends.

Paul Quinn was born, raised, and lived most of his life in Swinkey, just outside of Monroe City. He and his late wife Judy (Whiston) Quinn raised nine children. 

Today, Paul and his wife Deana have 34 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Paul is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Palmyra and the Knights of Columbus in Indian Creek. He's very active in prison ministry.

Paul is a retired farmer, Monroe County Commissioner and Assessor, and he represented our area as a Missouri State Representative from 2007-2013.

Paul stays busy going to his grandchildren's sports and school activities. He likes to golf, work outside, play cards, and spend time with family and friends. 

John is a "Born and raised" Monroe City resident.  John is happily married to Michelle "Shelly" Long since 1999.  They have one dog named Otto.  

He loves to play golf and work outside in their garden.  John loves the outdoors and visits the family farm for relaxing times in the deer stand.

When John is not working for O'Donnell-Thurman Life Celebration Home he employs his time with an automotive supplier as a Supplier Quality Manager.

He also is very proud his large family and enjoys gatherings.  He is a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church Parish Council, Athletic director at Holy Rosary School, past Alderman, former Mayor of Monroe City, and 19-year fire fighter for Monroe City.

Jerry Copenhaver is a lifelong resident of the Hunnewell and Monroe City area.  He and his wife Sherry have been married for 50 years and have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.

Jerry has always farmed and was co-founder and co-owner of Monroe Tire & Battery for over 30 years.

In his "semi-retirement" Jerry continues to raise cattle and loves spending time with his grandkids.  He also loves to travel and believes that anything you haven't seen yet is worth seeing.  He feels fortunate to have visited many parts of the United States and Canada ( including some from a motorcycle).

Jerry is a member of Holy Rosary Parish in Monroe City.  He believes that, besides our faith, making wise use of our time is our most precious asset.

Carolyn Murray Porter

 Carolyn is married to Ronald Porter.  She has 2 children, a son in Switzerland and a daughter in Columbia, MO, 4 stepchildren, 2 grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Graduated from Monroe City High School and then Graduated from Gem City Business college.  She lived near Atlanta, GA for 12 years, then moved to Columbia, MO and back to Monroe City in 2003.  Carolyn worked for 2 banks in Columbia for a total of 17 years. 

 Carolyn loves people, dancing, and her home.

 Work now for wonderful people, Jimmy and Brad and have been in the office of the funeral home for 13 years.

Born and raised in Monticello, Illinois.

Mark earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a minor in music at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois in 2000.

Mark is a member of Arch United Methodist Church in Hannibal, MO and has lived in Hannibal since 2008 with his family.

With his wife, Stacey, Mark enjoys singing with The Mark Twain Chorale. Mark and his wife have also had the honor of performing with the Hannibal LaGrange University Theater Department in recent spring Musicals.

A sports fan, Mark enjoys following baseball. Other interests include music, theater and watching and coaching his son (Calvin) in his various sports activities. Mark is a 3rd generation Eagle Scout.