James V. Donadio, senior partner of the law firm Ice Miller Donadio & Ryan and practicing lawyer for more than 70 years, died August 7.

Highly respected and widely admired by the Indiana legal profession, Mr Donadio began his legal career in 1927 and in 1937, joined Matson Ross McCord & Clifford, the predecessor of Ice Miller Donadio & Ryan. In a short time, he became the leading partner of the firm's litigation practice.  During his tenure, the firm has grown from less than 10 attorneys to its current position as Indianapolis' largest law firm and one of the largest in Indiana, with approximately 200 attorneys.  He developed a national reputation in the defense of medical malpractice claims and over the years his statewide litigation practice led to his court appearance in each of Jndiana's 92 counties and resulted in his being one of the best-known lawyers in Indiana.

Mr Donadio was born in Branford, Connecticut in 1905.  He could not afford a formal college education, so he attended and graduated from the predecessor of  Indiana University Law School in Indianapolis with an LL.B. in 1928. He was the youngest son in a family of nine. His pride in his Italian heritage, his love of and devotion to Church and family and his extraordinary work ethic were inherited from his family.

He was married to the late Bonita M. Donadio for 62 years and is survived by his children, James V. Donadio, Jr. M.D. of Rochester, Minnesota and Virginia E. Donadio Boberschmidt of Indianapolis, his sister, Virginia E. Donadio, eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Services were in St. Luke Catholic Church, Indianapolis, Tuesday, August 11 at 11a.m.