Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
James A. Magovern
James A. Magovern
Obituary
Guest Book
James Magovern Obituary
JAMES A.
On Saturday, March 17, 2007; beloved husband of Betsy R. Magovern; father of Paul, Megan, Charlie and Molly Magovern; son of Ann and George J. Magovern, M.D.; brother of George J. Magovern, Jr., M.D. (Jamie), Mary M. Scott (Robert), Frances M. O'Connor (Desmond), Susan F. Magovern and Ann M. Magovern; also survived by 13 nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC. 4900 Centre Ave. at Devonshire St., Monday and Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial St. Scholastica Church, 10 am. EVERYONE PLEASE GATHER AT CHURCH. Entombment will be private. Remembrances may be made to The Gerald R. McGinnis Cardiovascular Institute, Allegheny General Hospital, 320 E. North Ave., Pgh. PA 15212.
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Seth and Mirta Bekoe
June 25, 2007
The Magoern Family
We have just learned about Dr. Magovern; having been out of the country. We send you our deepest condolences.
Christina Pendrak
April 3, 2007
To the Magovern Family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. I was a nurse that worked with Dr. Magovern at Allegheny General Hospital, and I just heard of his passing. He was a brilliant man and I was honored to know him.
Susan Hutzler Venatta
March 27, 2007
Betsy and family,
You have been in my thoughts. May your happy memories soon help to ease your pain. I am sorry for your loss.
John Philson and Family
March 23, 2007
To The Magovern Family:
We would like to express our deep sympathy in the loss of your son, husband and father. The Magovern's have been an important part of our lives as they have played a role in keeping our father John A. Philson alive since l970. We remember Dr. James Magovern as a very compassionate man, who with a friendly pat on the back and a smile made you feel that everything would be alright. He always had the time to listen and answer questions. Our prayers are with you and May God Bless.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
The Funaiock Family
March 23, 2007
The Magovern Family
On behalf of our family we would like to send our deepest sympathy to the McGovern family, our prayers are with you.
Elizabeth & Dick Campbell
March 21, 2007
Megan and Family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved father; a strong and gifted man who will truly be blessed in his "new life". You have our sympathy.
(Karin's grandparents)
Jane Adams
March 21, 2007
Betsy,
We only found out today of Jim's death and we were simply shocked. Although I knew he was sick, I somehow thought he just might be invincible. I know you all cherished your time with him. While he left behind a professional legacy, more importantly he helped you to raise a wonderful family who have learned by his example. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the children and all of his family. I am sorry we were not able to pay our proper respects.
Jane and Dick Adams, Zach and Jordan.
Martha Hoegle
March 21, 2007
To the family of James A Magovern, M.D. I send my sympathy. In the early 1970's I became aware of the Magovern family when my father was sent to see Doctor George Magovern,Sr. My dad, Lester Dean, was operated on by Dr. George Magovern and his team. Dr. Magovern was an outstanding surgeon, brilliant and dedicated to each of his patients. Our sons played chess at Sewickley Library and one of Dr. Magovern's grandsons was playing also. The latter part of my father's life Dr. Magovern's sons treated my dad. My husband also had emergency surgery with the Magovern team in June of 1997. The Magovern family has not been in my life a lot, but during the times that they were I have been very impressed with them and how dedicated they all have been to serving others. Dr. James Mcgovern will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by all the patients that he faithfully took care of.
Jack Miller '71
March 20, 2007
Jimmy was a good kid as an SSA classmate and a compassioinate and caring man. The world is a better place because Jimmy came our way. May we learn from his example, follow his lead and become his legacy. Sincerest condolences to his immediate and extended family. You all are in my prayers.
Toni & Fred Neil
March 19, 2007
Dear Magovern Family,
My deepest sympathy and condolences. Dr. Magovern was a great doctor and because of him my husband is alive today. Our prays will be with you all.
Mary Anne Hirsh
March 19, 2007
Betsy and Family, sorry for your loss, The Hirsh Family, Greg, Mary Anne and Ed
Kelly Ohrman
March 19, 2007
Dear Magovern Family,
You have my deepest sympathy. I had the pleasure of working with and caring for Dr. James Magovern's for many years at AGH. He was always kind to both the patients and their families. May he rest in peace.
Carmen Irson
March 19, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Magovern. I worked along side of Dr. Magovern on many cases as his surgical technologist. I learned so much in the beginning of my career from him. He was a pleasure to work with. May he rest in peace.
Sinda Dianzumba
March 19, 2007
Dear George and Family:
Our prayers, and deepest sympathy and condolences.
Patrick Rodgers
March 19, 2007
Dear Dr. Magovern,
On behalf of the Rodgers family I would like to extend our deepest condolences for the loss of James. It was like yesterday when we were playing kick the can in San Antonio,as kids with James, Mary and Susan. I can still remember the pond.
Lynn Csernotta
March 19, 2007
Dear Magovern Family:
Dr. James Magovern performed double valve replacement on my mother of 5 years ago. I have never met such a kind, patient and skilled surgeon. He treated my 78 year old mother and our family with so much kindness and respect. No question was too "silly" or simple. He even teased my mom after the surgery and brought smiles to us all. She is well and with us today because of his skill and care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Sincerely the Irma I. Smith family, North Huntingdon, PA
March 19, 2007
Paul & Family,
Our deepest and sincerest sympathy and condolences.
Pam Robie & Jack Nelson
Carla Zimmerly
March 19, 2007
I send my sincerest condolences to the Magovern Family. I just wanted to say that it has been a privilege to work with Dr. Magovern for the past 17 years and have the honor to have been able to say that I knew him. He was the most respected physician who always took the time to say hello. I will always remember him as a brilliant, soft spoken, kind man who dedicated his life to helping others. His spirit will live on in his vast contributions to medicine and in the memories of all of the thankful and blessed people he has helped.
Jeff Pollock
March 19, 2007
Dear Frannie and Family:
I was very saddened to read of the passing of your brother, a fellow SSA alum. Please accept my condolences.
Thom Harding
March 19, 2007
Dr. Magovern will always be in our hearts and our prayers. He was a kind and gentle man. He performed the surgery that replaced my aorta and aortic valve in 1997. I owe him my very life.
Dr. and Mrs E. Reese Owens
March 19, 2007
To Betsy, Paul, Megan, Charlie, Molly, Ann, George, brother and sisters. We can't even imagine the sadness of your loss. The man himself was the epitome of a dad, husband and son, a true gentle man and gentleman. And the medical expertise he gave to the world was astounding. Such an honor to have known Jimmy! We grieve with The Magovern and Roylance Families and send our heart felt sympathies.
Fondly,
Jess and Betsey
Mr & Mrs Jack Lennox
March 19, 2007
The AGH cardiology dept. all knew him as 'Jimmie'..My husband and I came to revere him after he performed two surgeries, back to back on my husband, Jack, 78 years old. He did triple by-pass one day and it then became apparent that his mitral valve was failing and a replacement was needed and was done the next day. I found 'Jimmie' to be the sweetest most caring man when he came out after the second 8 hr.surgery, and as exhausted as he was, he took the time to explain the surgery and the unusual location of the valve and the successful outcome. What a 'peach' of a man! What a loss to his family and the medical profession. We offer our sincerest condolences to the Magovern family
Mary Ann Naberezny
March 19, 2007
Heartfelt thoughts and sympathy go out today. You are in our prayers.
George Kevin Hambelton
March 19, 2007
To the Magovern Family. I was so saddened to hear of your loss. It was 4 years ago today that your son, brother,husband, and father replaced my aorta valve before he was diagnosed with kidney cancer. I kept him in my prayers daily. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Richard Early
March 19, 2007
Dr. Magovern will always be remembered for the kind and thoughtful way he treated people. Although a very high-profile physician, he was always humble as he walked the halls of Allegheny General. He was never too busy to smile and to extend a soft hello. His leadership, his passion to make people well, and his kindness will be missed at AGH and in the Community.
Laurie Machen
March 19, 2007
I'm sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in James Magovern's name
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Magovern's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
