James M. Donovan

1935 - 2017

James M. Donovan

James M. Donovan, of San Jose, CA, died on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at his home after a brief struggle with cancer. He was 82. He was born on November 9, 1935 in Seattle, WA. He attended St. Anne Parish Elementary School on Queen Anne Hill, Seattle Preparatory High School, and Seattle University. During university he completed the U.S. Army ROTC program, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, and served as an artillery officer. Upon completion of active duty, he remained in the Army Reserve and attained the rank of Major.

In 1959 he married Judy A. Donovan, and together they had 3 children, Patrick, Colleen, and Sheila. They divorced in 1971.

James worked as an electrical engineer, and spent most of his career as an independent professional in the San Jose, CA area. An active soul, James was driven by a tireless craving to learn which led to his passionate pursuits of gardening, travel, dance, photography, woodworking, skiing, camping, and fishing. He shared his final days peacefully at home with family and will be greatly missed. James is survived by Judy Donovan, his three children, daughter in law, and one grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister.

A memorial mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday March 10,

2018, at St. Martin of Tours Parish

located at 200 O'Connor Dr., San Jose, CA. Following mass, a celebration of life will be held at a local restaurant 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. RSVP to

JMDservice@comcast.net for details and confirmation regarding the celebration of life.