Our Staff
Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.
Born and raised in America’s Hometown, James J. O’Donnell, graduated from Hannibal High School, has 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. Jim is also a member of the Missouri Funeral Directors and Embalmers Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association, 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 F&M 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 auxiliary at the Hannibal Veterans of Foreign War #2446, member of Hannibal Knights of Columbus Council #907, and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
Born and raised in Hannibal, MO, Rory graduated from Hannibal High School. He received an Associate of Mortuary Science Degree from Des Moines Area College in Iowa, and is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in both Illinois and Missouri. He also has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Media Studies and Public Relations from Quincy University, where he played soccer for the legendary coach, Jack Mackenzie. Rory spent 15 years working on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade before returning to Quincy and joining O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home.
Rory is married to Brenna and they have two children: Rory Thomas and Scarlett James. Young Rory and Scarlett both attend St. Peter School in Quincy.
Born and raised in Southern California, Emily is a 2013 graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and studied Graphic Design and Advertising at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in downtown Los Angeles.
Emily moved to Springfield, Illinois in 2014 to be closer to family. She later moved to Galesburg, Illinois to attend the Carl Sandburg College Mortuary Science Program, graduating with her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in 2017.
Emily and her husband Mathew married on January 24, 2020 and purchased their first home together in September of 2021. Together they enjoy raising their two cats: Morty and Greta, their three reptiles: Peaches, Cream, and Waffles, and spoiling their nephew, Lincoln.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys painting and printmaking, thrift shopping, going antiquing, visiting museums and historical buildings, and traveling with her husband. Emily is excited to continue serving families in the Quincy area and surrounding communities for many years to come.
Hunter, a 2021 graduate of Southeastern High School in nearby Augusta, Illinois, is currently pursuing his degree in mortuary science at Des Moines Area Community College.
As a young man, Hunter took an interest in the funeral home industry because of his desire to help others in their time of need. He began assisting the O'Donnell Family of Funeral Homes in the fall of 2020 while job shadowing for coursework.
A native of Bowen, Illinois, Hunter enjoys spending his free time being outside and tinkering around the family farm.
