James Francis Donovan

James Francis Donovan made his last “Irish Goodbye” on March 17, 2022 (St. Patrick’s Day), passing away of natural causes at age 93 in Pensacola, FL. He was born in Elmira, NY to Henry Donovan and Christine Goldberg in 1928. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Catherine (Riley) on May 9, 2021. They met and married in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA in 1964.

Jim was a graduate of Colgate University and worked as a clinical psychologist before joining the U.S. Navy in 1953. CAPT Donovan retired from the Navy in 1984 after more than 31 years of service in EOD and Surface Warfare including as the Commanding Officer of USS LOCATOR (AGR-6) and USS FLOYD B. PARKS (DD-884), the latter during its two deployments to Vietnam from 1969-1971.

Despite “retirement”, Jim stayed as busy as ever in his later years. His life-long love of golf led to stints coaching at both Pensacola Catholic HS and Pensacola Junior College where his 1992-93 team won a NJCAA Division II National Championship. He volunteered for many years with the Pensacola Sports Association, Retired Activities Office at NAS Pensacola, and St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Above all, Jim lived a happy, active life surrounded by family and friends – traveling, playing golf and low-stakes poker, watching Auburn University athletics, sampling any and all cookies, reading novels, and spoiling his wife, children and daughter’s cat with love and affection.

Jim is survived by his son Mark (Lynn) of Vienna, VA, and daughter Michelle of Pensacola, FL. He will be greatly missed by his family, many friends, fellow Navy veterans, colleagues, and neighbors. Jim had a great sense of humor and could spin a tale like no one else. We will cherish those stories and the laughter they continue to bring with a good Scotch and water in his memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Donovan family.