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Jim Donovan
1956 - 2024
Jim Donovan
1956 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1956
DIED
2024
Jim Donovan Obituary
Jim Donovan was a sportscaster best known for his long tenure as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns.
We invite you to share condolences for Jim Donovan in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: AP Photo/David Richard)
20 Entries
Cleveland Fan
November 21, 2024
Cleveland will never have a better sportscaster than you. Thank you for your passion, dedication, enthusiasm, and love for not only the sport, but the Browns. You definitely inspired a young boy to grow up and become a lifelong Browns fan (no matter how painful it is). Thank you for all the great memories growing up listening to you on the TV and radio. God bless your family and you.
Jack Sullivan
November 6, 2024
I have to correct an omission on my entry from November 3.
I should have said "...my Mom, Marie, and Jimmy's Mom, Ruthie, became good friends...."
My apologies.
Sincerely,
Jack Sullivan
Louisville, KY
Carson Loveless
November 4, 2024
Condolences to his family
Jack Sullivan
November 3, 2024
Jimmy's Dad coached my brother Tom in Little League, and then my Mom, Marie (who died last year on December 1) became good friends.
I remember playing street hockey in Jimmy's driveway on Meagher Ave in Milton, and he would always be announcing while he was playing. We could tell then that he had a special talent. One day when we were playing, it started to get dark, and when I raised my stick to take a slapshot, I hit the lamppost in the driveway just as Ruthie flipped on the light switch to turn it on. Quick-witted Jimmy came out with, "He lit the lamp! He's the Lamplighter!"
That nickname stuck with me for several years, and I'm proud to tell my friends to this day that I got a nickname from a Hall of Fame broadcaster, and a Hall of Fame guy.
I loved listening to Jim broadcast theBrowns when I got satellite radio. He was the best!
Rest in Peace Jimmy, where the Light is always on.
Jack Sullivan
Louisville, KY
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Pam Riggs
November 3, 2024
Jim loved the Browns and all Cleveland sports. I would make a special point to watch him on TV before a big game and even more so after a Browns exciting win! He just brought so much energy and excitement to being a Cleveland Browns Fan! We all could relate and had that Browns spirit! My condolences to his family and his friends and Browns Fans. He will be truely missed and his voice and reactions where nothing more than a true Browns Fan- top class.
Orange & Brown Fan
November 1, 2024
Hey Jimmy, please say "hello" to Nev when you see him. You guys always gave the best commentaries and play by play action during the Browns games. We miss you both.
Like Bernie said during your tribute on WKYC Channel 3, "...everyone would turn the volume down on the tv to listen to Jimmy and Doug on the radio."
Condolences to the Donovan Family.
Joseph O´Neill
October 31, 2024
I coach Jim in baseball when he was 18 years old. He was a friend to all, hustled at all times and was like an assistant coach. Two years later he and his dad coached the Milton Babe Ruth team to the national finals in Ohio
Jim knew from the start what he wanted to be, and his hard work paid off. I have enjoyed following his career. It is obvious that Jim never lost the friendly enthusiasm he displayed as a young man
May Jim rest in peace
Joe O´Neill
James Griffiths
October 30, 2024
I met Jim twice in different restaurants. He was always gracious and kind.
M. McCarthy
October 30, 2024
One in a million......one of a kind!! Rest is peace......
Cynthia Hocevar
October 30, 2024
Watching the Browns games and watching him on the news. Jimmy, God bless you and keep you and may your family find solace. I loved listening to him doing the games and he always made me feel like I was there. Rest in peace.
Paula S Eastman
October 30, 2024
Chub -dub-lub-a- dub cracked me up!!
Roger E. Barnhard
October 30, 2024
I knew Jim Donovan from my days at University Hospitals of Cleveland during one of his extended stays. Jim was so very kind, generous with his compliments to me and the medical staff as well as humorous and light hearted despite what he was going through medically. A rare man for our times. I send my most heart felt sympathy to his wife and daughter.
Joe & Joni Hajduk
October 30, 2024
Never knew Jim personally but being Hinckley residents ourselves, we would see Jim walking the trail at Hinckley Reservation.
Joe & Joni
Sue Tegtmeier
October 30, 2024
Very sad about the loss of Jim Donovan. When I watched a Browns game on TV, I would turn the sound down on the TV and listen to Jim Donovan on the radio. No one will match Jim's play calling or enthusiasm. My condolences to his family, friends and the Browns organization at this difficult ult time. He will be missed.
kate hetman
October 30, 2024
was fortunate to enjoy all of his great broadcasts of cleveland sports. He was a gentlemen and outstanding sports reporter. First class all the way. May He rest in peace. May God bless his family and friends.
Raymond Chemes
October 30, 2024
Dear Cheryl, I just learned of Jim's passing from a former CPD partner. My condolences are with you and your daughter. You may remember me from my frequent visits to your "chair" in the Arcade, during my tenure in Cleveland ('86 to '91). You were Jim's good wife and caregiver during his difficult battle with cancer. May he rest in peace, Ray Chemes, (DEA retired), San Diego
Cathy Busch Nugent
October 30, 2024
Sincere sympathy to Jim Donovan's wife and daughter. Jim fought cancer valiantly. I will miss Jim's broadcast of Browns games.
Jim had amazing talent. Rest in peace.
Cathy Busch Nugent
Seven Hills OH
Jane S.
October 29, 2024
While I didn´t know Jim Donovan personally or never met him in person, he was in my living room almost every night between the news and on the radio listening to him call the games. I looked forward to Mondays to hear him on his thoughts of the previous day. He was the best. Prayers to his family and colleagues. Rest in Peace, Jim Donovan and thanks so much.
Denise Braskie
October 29, 2024
Dear Cheryl and Meghan-
I will always remember the excitement in his VOICE being a Greatest Sportscaster. How he did it, remembering so many things about sports and the players. He truly was a Legend and gift to Northeast Ohio. He was 1 in a million. He will be missed but always be remembered. May Jim Rest in Peace. My deepest sympathy.
Bill Couch
October 29, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I met Jim at Thistledown when he covered the Ohio Derby for Channel 3 , I´ll never forget how he made me laugh when he asked " are those jockeys really conscience of what they ate", my response you wouldn´t believe my answer . Thoughts and prayers to Cheryl and Meghan and all his friends who cherished him, God Bless
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