James Francis Donovan

James Francis Donovan of Needham, MA, died on Saturday on July 7, 2012 at Avery Manor. He was 91 years old. Jim grew up in Quincy, MA and graduated from North Quincy High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society. He then served in the United States Navy during World War II. He met his wife, Betty Lou on the train ride down to attend the University of Miami, where he graduated from in 1948. Jim loved baseball and played for many years. He was a Manager and Coach for the Needham Little League. Jim enjoyed talking about his younger brother, Dick Donovan, who was a Major League Pitcher with the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians. Jim was a founding member of the Needham Pool and Racquet Club and loved playing tennis. A season ticket holder for Boston College football for over 30 years. He was known for his Irish sense of humor. Jim enjoyed playing golf with the Retired Men's Club as well as working in his yard and was a talented grower of roses and tomatoes. Jim sold main frame computers for NCR, Philips and Unisys.
Beloved husband of Betty Lou (Bippus) Donovan for 62 years. Devoted father of William Edward Donovan and his wife, Terese, of Middletown, Conn, and Lisa Jane Donovan of Needham. Loving grandfather of Julia Margaret Donovan of Middletown, Conn. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Jim is pre-deceased by his parents, Jeremiah J. and Gertrude Golden Donovan from Quincy, MA, his sisters Eleanor R. Papile of Quincy, Marie A. Parsons of Quincy, Gertrude G. Kelley of Quincy, and his brother, Richard E. Donovan of Cohasset.
Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Wednesday, July 11th from 4 – 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Joseph's Church, 1360 Highland Ave, Needham on Thursday, July 12th at 10 am. Burial with Military Honors immediately following at the Needham Cemetery.

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