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JAMES O'DONOVAN Obituary

O'DONOVAN, Atty. James A. Of West Yarmouth, Massachusetts, formerly of Somerville, Massachusetts, entered into rest on January 15, 2016 surrounded by his adoring family and with his wife Pauline, the love of his life, at his side. He left this world a brighter, more beautiful place, and all who had the good luck to cross paths with him are better for knowing him. Born in Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland, James Alexander Falcan O'Donovan was the son of Bridgetta Frances (McCarthy) O'Donovan and Timothy O'Donovan. Until the age of 8, he lived amid the rolling green hills and sandy beaches of Burgatia in Rosscarbery, County Cork. In 1931 he emigrated with his family to Uphams Corner, Dorchester, Massachusetts and in 1941 he graduated from Boston English High School. Jim was a true patriot. He believed firmly in the American Dream and lived his life accordingly. With so many others of his "greatest generation" -- including his sister Maureen, brother John, and brother Pat -- Jim served his country with the United States Army in World War II. When his mother opened the door to two FBI Agents who were vetting him for high-level security clearance, her response was "Oh my God?what did he do now?!" Apparently they were unconcerned with any possible transgressions, because Jim went on to become a cryptography specialist, encoding and decoding messages and correspondence for Army Intelligence while serving in the Southwest Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1946. With his customary modesty, he rarely spoke of the War or his role in it, other than to relate the story of the time he was at a movie theater while on leave in Brisbane, Australia when a familiar rollicking laugh rose from the front row which just happened to belong to his brother Pat. Home from the war, Jim enrolled at Boston University under the GI bill. He had a lifelong passion for baseball -- playing varsity catcher for Boston University and semi-professional baseball with the Boston Park League's Linehan Club of South Boston, and earning an invitation to try out as a catcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, through glorious victories and heartbreaking losses alike, and spent many happy Sundays alternating with lightning speed on the clicker between football, golf, the military history channel and his favorite Westerns. While working as a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service, Jim received his Bachelor of Arts in 1949 and continued on to Suffolk University Law School where he received his Juris Doctor in 1953. He was admitted to the bar in 1955 and commenced a legal career that shone brightly for five decades. Jim was guided by an unwavering sense of fairness, and began his career with the Voluntary Defenders Committee in 1956, a precursor to the modern public defender's office. From 1960 to 1966 he served the City of Somerville as its City Solicitor, and subsequently went into private practice at 6 Beacon Street in Boston with his dear friend Albert Hutton Jr. Until his death he practiced law with his son Sean. He was a renowned criminal defense attorney and litigator throughout his career. To those he encountered in the courtroom, he was a fearsome but charming adversary; always gallant, always courteous, but fiercely dedicated to the principles of equity and justice. Jim was truly young at heart, always open for new experiences and new opportunities, such as the time he trekked his entire young family from Somerville to Mexico for the summer to improve his Spanish. Language immersion at its finest! He was a voracious reader, gobbling up presidential biographies, military strategy, Irish history and medieval history alike. A well-worn dictionary was always by his chair. He also loved to be outside, especially when it involved a nine-iron and fairways. Golfing with his sons and grandsons was one of his greatest pleasures and he passed many golden days with them on the course. Jim also took great joy in his weekly poker games with the West Yarmouth gang, especially when he broke the bank! He loved the company of his friends. Jim had a marvelous sense of humor. He loved a bawdy joke or a silly song and he took great pleasure in teasing his beloved Pauline. Each anniversary he would loudly exclaim in mock horror and surprise that they had spent too many years together. This past June he had the good fortune of announcing that he had now spent "65 years with the wrong woman!" Anyone who ever saw them together knew that she was, in fact, the one and only woman for him. It is impossible to describe everything that Jim meant to his family, his friends, his clients, and colleagues. He was the first to congratulate or offer a word of encouragement, and he was always ready with a kind word and wide smile. He was a loyal friend, confidante to his grandchildren, and mentor to young attorneys. He was adored by his five sons and their wives, and idolized by his ten grandchildren and two great-grand-children. Jim's greatest joy and inspiration in his life was his family. His sons and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and the love he shared with them illuminated the world around them. In addition to his wife Pauline, Jim is survived by five sons: James D. O'Donovan of Somerville; Kevin O'Donovan, his wife Alessandra and their children Alexander, Elizabeth and Katherine, of Somerville; Brian O'Donovan, his wife Denise and their children Seamus, Devin, Aidan and Addison; Michael O'Donovan, his wife Gina and their children Kaleigh and Daniel, of Medford; and Sean O'Donovan and his wife Peri, of Somerville. Jim is also survived by his grand-daughter Cari-Anne McCauley and her husband David, of Marshfield, and two great-grand-children, Hunter and Madison McCauley of Marshfield. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many devoted friends. The family would like to especially mention the incredible staff at Mayflower Nursing Center in West Yarmouth, who guided us along this painful journey with love and compassion. Continued on next column

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES O'DONOVAN

Not sure what to say?





Patricia M. McLaughlin

July 20, 2021

Mr. O´Donovan, thanks for being such an inspiration and guiding light in my teen-age years. You were a great fiend to all of my family! Godspeed and enjoy your newest journey!

Kathleen Doyle

January 9, 2021

I just want to say it was an honor to work with you. You and your family touched my life more than you know. I still think of you and your family often. You will always be remembered for your Irish wit and wisdom.
Kathy Doyle PTA Mayflower rehab

Patty McLaughlin

August 16, 2019

Mr. and Mrs. O'Donovan were SO instrumental in shaping my life growing up. My condolences to everyone, Pauline, Jimmy, Kevin, Brian, Michael and Sean! Love to you all!

Annmarie Herlihy- Lindon

August 26, 2018

Our families spent so many summers together. Mr O'D I'm sure My mom and dad Pat and Helen Herlihy were there to meet you, game of cards and a drink. All my memories are happy tagging along with the boys and sitting with Mrs O'D. Loved going to the beach with her. So sad we fell out of touch. Hope to change that. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Arthur Pelton

January 21, 2016

Mike ~ In your affliction may the knowledge that your friends share your sorrow be a solace to you.

January 21, 2016

O'Donovan family,

Our deepest condolences to you all on the passing of a great man. What a tremendous legacy he leaves in the remarkable and loving family he created as well as the many people he helped along the road. Rest in peace Mr. O'Donovan.

Leo, Diane and Aidan Boucher

Regina Gallishaw

January 20, 2016

O' Donovan family,

My deepest condolences for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jim Murray

January 20, 2016

My condolences to the O'Donovan clan for the loss of a great man.As a fellow Corkonian and lawyer Mr. O' Donovan treated me with kindness and respect and always extended sage advice when I needed it.He was also very tolerant and always laughed when seeing my wild boys running around the neighborhood.I think he had lots of experience of that himself!
Kate and I will remember him in our prayers.

January 19, 2016

Goodbye, my dear Uncle Jim.
Johnny Fierst

Julie DiPasquale

January 19, 2016

To The O'Donovan Family,

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. O'Donovan's death. He was such a wonderful gentleman. He was a man you could depend on and he stepped up to help me on a couple of occasions, I will always be grateful.

He certainly loved his wife and family.

May the road rise up to meet him. RIP

Coughlin

January 19, 2016

So sorry to hear of Jims passing. Deepest sympathy to you all. Greg Coughlin.

Brian & Elizabeth Dunton

January 19, 2016

Go dte tu slan Seamus.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam mo chara.

"Safe journey James.
Rest in peace my friend"

kelly quinn

January 19, 2016

Rest in paradise you will be misset so much

January 19, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Harry and Judi Shurtleff

Brian & Elizabeth Dunton

January 18, 2016

Go dte tu slan James
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam mo chara.

Safe journey James.
Rest in pease my friend.

January 18, 2016

Ben and I were so saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. He was our dear friend, and we wiil miss him so much. With our deepest sympathy, Barbara Morrison and Ben Beaudry

January 18, 2016

Prayers and sympathy to all

Kathy

kathleen Doyle

January 18, 2016

To the entire O'Donovan Clan.
I just wanted to send my deepest sympathy on the passing of James.
I had the pleasure getting to know and work with him and some of his family members. He talked about the entire clan often. How much he loved everyone, and that he was so proud of each member. I must say he was one in a million. I will miss his keen wit, laughter and words of wisdom.
He is one "Irish Man" that I will never forget!
Prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time.

Sincerely
Kathleen Doyle
Mayflower Rehab Yarmouth

Lazzaro

January 18, 2016

Kevin, Sandra and family - We were sad to hear of your dad's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. The Lazzaro Family

The Fontano's

January 18, 2016

Dear Sean and Family, Susan and I are so sad hearing the passing of Your Father. We know how devoted to Him You have been, The Greatest Generation deserve that much and more. I can see now where You get so many of the same attributes. We have all benefited from the dedication, compassion, sense of responsibility and love of Family Friends and Country Your Dad has given. I'm sure He will continue to always bless and be in everyone's hearts forever. love Jo-Ann and Susan

Michele Gear-Cole

January 18, 2016

Steve and I are so sorry to all the O'Donovan clan. He was such a bright light and so much fun to be around. He will be deeply missed. He lived a long wonderful life and has a family that he loved very much and he is now at peace. Love you Uncle Jim.

Kate Horan Dahlquist

January 18, 2016

To the entire O'Donovan Family, my deepest sympathy on your loss. May your wonderful memories of your Husband/Dad comfort you always.

Carol Sylvia

January 18, 2016

Although it's been years, I'll never forget the fun we had with Jim, Pauline and Jimmy. Pauline's family would come to my grandparent's house in the summer, bringing wonderful meals! We have so many happy memories of vising them, as well. Pauline & Jim always included us in the annual Christmas parties. We wish you rest in perfect peace, Jim. Pauline,and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We love you! Carol Rita (Hawes) Sylvia, and Rita Hawes.

Michael and Walter Sullivan

January 17, 2016

To the O'Donovan Family:

Please accept our deepest sympathies. As in the movie "A Wonderful Life," Jim had a tremendous impact on his community and the many lives he touched. He was a great guy and friend for two generations of Sullivans.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Michael and Walter Sullivan

January 17, 2016

Our Deepest Condolences on your loss. May your many memories soften the pain in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Patti O'Brien

Laurie Devereaux

January 16, 2016

My deepest sympathy to all of you. What a beautiful obituary for an amazing man. How blessed you all were to have him for so many years. I pray you all feel peace and comfort in the coming days and months. God Bless all of you. What an admirable man!!!

January 16, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. May "the God of all comfort" be with your family at this difficult time. (2 Cor 1:3)

Joseph Magliozzi

January 16, 2016

To the family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of need.

kelly quinn

January 15, 2016

Aunty kevin michael brian and sean I am sooo sorry for the lose of one amazen man he was the best ever your father and my uncle he will be misset dearly and never forgotten uncle rest in peace I love you

January 15, 2016

Mrs.O'donovan and family,so sorry for your loss,my God be with you at this time.my thoughts and prayers are with you,love Ronnie Rosa

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Memorial Events
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Jan

20

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

DOHERTY FUNERAL SERVICE

855 Broadway (Powder House Square), Somerville, MA 02144-1992

Jan

21

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Clement Church

Somerville, MA

Jan

21

Interment

1:00 p.m.

MA National Cemetery

Bourne, MA

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