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James "Jimmy" Donovan
James "Jimmy" Donovan
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James Donovan Obituary
This is not your average obituary because Jimmy Donovan was not your average person. Most people knew how great he was in his craft, but few knew how great he was in his heart. When I first met him, what impressed me about Jimmy Donovan was his witty sense of humor and his love for shopping for clothes. Our engagement was memorable because it was the night the Dodgers won the World Series in the fall of '88 and we were married the following June.
For a man who grew up in a small neighborhood in Boston, he grew to embrace and enjoy the farm that he and I built and shared with our daughter, Meghan. Raised by loving parents who were a strong influence on the man he became to be, he shared his joy of sports with our daughter Meghan, who became his every Sunday sidekick in the booth from the time she was five years old. What father does that? There were some lucky dogs who lived in the Donovan home. Jimmy would walk miles with Tucker and Hooper in Hinckley Reservation, despite the weather.
Jimmy was more than the man in the booth. He was a loving, loyal, and supportive husband and father; a kind and generous friend; stellar professional; and Hallmark movie lover. When he would ask me if I would watch one with him, I would reply No need to watch it with you because I LIVE IN ONE.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jimmy's memory to the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Bone Marrow Transplant Assistance Fund (University Hospitals Institutional Relations and Development P.O. Box 94554 Cleveland, OH 44101-4554) or The Singing Angels (https://singingangels.org/community-partnerships).
OUT OF RESPECT FOR HIS FAMILY, WE ASK THAT NO PICTURES, VIDEOS, OR RECORDINGS BE TAKEN THROUGHOUT JIMMY'S SERVICE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Christopher Church, 20141 Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio on Thursday November 7, 2024, at 11 AM. (EVERYONE PLEASE ARRIVE AT CHURCH BY 10:50 AM). Arrangements entrusted to the A.RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH (West of I-71) 440-260-8800.
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Scott Nightengale
November 13, 2024
Was friends with Jim and his wife while at Seidman as we shared great memories about the Browns and other Cleveland related sports. What a wonderful person who always made you´d feel like you were at every Browns game by his play by play announcing. He will be truly missed and he and his wonderful family will always be in my prayers.
God Bless
Jack Bardol
November 12, 2024
I just got an email from Xaverian Brothers High School announcing that Jimmy passed. He would bring his tape recorder to Bruins games and do a play by play of the game which we would listen to at lunch the next day. Lost touch after high school but glad he found a home in Cleveland and got to do what he loved! My deepest sympathy to his wife and daughter. Jimmy was a good one!
Jeff
November 7, 2024
"Hallmark movie lover. When he would ask me if I would watch one with him, I would reply No need to watch it with you because I LIVE IN ONE."
This statement from Cheryl really speaks to who Jim Donovan was as a person.
Hallmark movies are just good, wholesome, entertainment. Yes, Hallmark movies always end with a positive ending, and that is how Jim Donovan lived life. From Cheryl's message, Jim was a loving, caring, sensitive Husband, Father, and they will be able to cherish so many memories of him. As I sit down tonight and ask my Wife to watch a Christmas Hallmark movie, will think of Jim Donovan and the great life he shared with all of us.
Liesl A Bigge
November 7, 2024
I met Jimmy (and Cheryl at another visit) when he brought his wonderful Sheltie, Rocket, to see me for heart disease management many years ago. For a person with as much notoriety as he had, he was respectful and a just a sweet man. I hope Rocket met him at the pearly gates and he can live in Jesus' loving embrace with no more pain. Prayers for Cheryl, Meghan and the rest of those close to him.
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G. Gibbs
November 7, 2024
My condolences to the family, truly sadden for your heartbreak. Jim was my favorite sports anchor from the beginning. He felt like a friend of mine. A good name is better than precious oil (Ecclesiastes 7:1), and what a beautiful reputation he had. My favorite memory of Jim was when he was handing it back to the weekend news anchor (many years ago) after his report, the anchor said, that was a hell of a game, Jim replied, it sure was and that's nice language you're using. HILARIOUS!!! Love to the family, from a fan.
Meghan Kovach
November 6, 2024
My mom and Jim´s wife became friends as they shared a similar experience, they both had husbands with cancer. As their friendship grew, so did their support for my family. Jim would always send videos for my dad to encourage him to keep fighting in his cancer treatment. Even though I never got to meet him I know he was an amazing person. I, along with this community, will miss him. He was a good person, that was taken too soon. He cared a lot for my dad, whom he didn´t know. That just goes to show the great person he was. Rest easy, Jim
Chris Kovach
November 6, 2024
I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim in person, but our wives met by chance and Jim and I shared a similar illness, and we both had a car-t transplant. Here´s how I know Jim was a special person. On the day he returned to work last year a fantastic day for him he took the time to send me a video to boost my spirits and encourage me to fight. It´s something I´ll never forget and shows the selflessness and kindness of a great person. Rip Jim
A Fan
November 6, 2024
Simply the best.
Diane Yettke
November 6, 2024
God be with you in Paradise. Never had the chance to meet you but I loved listening to you and your excitment for the game. Peace be with your family and Thank You for all memories. You will be truly missed.
Randy Love
November 4, 2024
My sincere condolences to the entire Donovan family. I´ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time.
Cheryl J Urszeni
November 4, 2024
Didn't know him personally yet he was always upbeat and, A real example of A True Local Hero. Respectful,not aloof. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones..
Rebecca Ramnytz
November 4, 2024
My condolences go out to Jimmy's family. I worked with Jimmy in 1985 and 1986 as vacation relief in the Engineering and News Department at WKYC when it was still one of five o and o's---owned and operated NBC stations across the country. We both started there at the same time. After the 11pm weekend news was over, a bunch of us would head over to " The Headliner" bar near the Plain Dealer, a place where media types would congregate after work to share stories and a few drinks together to decompress. I can tell you this; Jim Donovan made me laugh harder than I've ever laughed in my life with his self- deprecating humor, his stories about his life and he could exude such a caring warmth for others. Such a great guy! I also worked with him again in 1999 and 2000, this time no longer an NBC owned and operated station, but still channel 3 WKYC. I was present when it was announced that the Browns would be back and Jim would narrate the games on radio. The whole newsroom erupted in cheers. I also was there when Jim must have gotten some concerning health news in 2000, as I noticed a sad vibe come over him as he sat near to where I was making chyrons for the 6pm news. Jimmy will always be in my fondest memories and I am so sorry he had such health issues to contend with all those years. I have three grown, successful adult children and I'm a grandmother of three beautiful children now. I am so glad to have known Jimmy and witnessed some vital moments in the history of his life. He was a gem. I am so sorry for his family and I extend my sincerest condolences for this great loss. A loss we all feel deeply. Rebecca
Dana L. Vargo
November 4, 2024
Our sincere condolences to Cheryl and Meghan. Jimmy was an amazing father and wonderful husband. He cherished his family above anything else. The Voice of The Browns will never be the same. His dedication and exuberance will be greatly missed. Love and blessings, Frank, Dana and Sarah Vargo
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