Born on the south side of Chicago to Frank and Margaret (Swanson) Donahue, Jack was a proud alum of St. Rita High School who later graduated from Loyola University School of Law.

He served as a DuPage County Assistant State's Attorney for two years before starting a private practice. Throughout his celebrated career, Jack served as the President of the DuPage County Bar Association, was founder and President of the DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, was recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the nation and honored as the DuPage County Lawyer of the Year in 2000. In 2007 Jack was named a Laureate of the Illinois State Bar Association, and as recently as 2020, he was honored with the Ralph Gabric Award for Professional Excellence.

Jack was a devoted husband to his wife, Linda (nee Eckert), and a loving father to Rachel Donahue (Marc Rodkey) and John "Dusty" Donahue. He was an exceptional bonus dad to William Stratton (Brian Coffin) and Bethany Stratton (Dustin Perkins), supportive father-in-law to Tricia West (Bill), and a doting grandfather of Morgan Donahue and Riley Donahue.

Jack was pre-deceased by his siblings James Donahue, Virginia "Ginny" Hickey, Mary Lou Gunkel, and Lester Donahue. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Dineen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A man of many talents and even more stories, Jack was generous with his love and his time alike. He always championed the underdog and covered the home team… unless it was the Packers. As an avid golfer, world traveler and philanthropic spirit, everywhere he went was a better place because he had been there. Jack passed peacefully on December 28, 2022, surrounded by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational UCC of Elmhurst, Attn: Music Fund, 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126.