The Life of JAMES FRANCIS DONOVAN
James Francis Donovan, 85, passed away Sunday, March 25, 2018. He was born in Cherokee, Iowa on May 18, 1932 to Thomas and Mildred Donovan. He lived in Des Moines, IA his entire life, except for 5 years in Sun City West, AZ.
He graduated from North High School in 1950, and attended Drake University for 2 years. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War. He joined the Air National Guard in 1953 working as Personal Management Superintendent, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the ANG Silver Squadron and a life member of Men’s Garden Club of America/The Gardeners of America.
In 1953, he married Carol Bjork and they were blessed with 5 wonderful children: Kirk (Mary) Donovan, Poncha Springs, CO; Scott (Cherie) Donovan, Pleasant Hill, IA; Diane (Mike) Peters, Urbandale, IA; Jeanine (Terry) Nielsen, Des Moines, IA; Kathleen (Brian) Potts, Albuquerque, NM.
He is also survived by his loving wife of 65 years, 8 exceptional grandchildren: Rachel (Joel) Wise, Jessica (Jon) Graeser, Luke (Naomi) Donovan, Chelsea Donovan, Stephanie (Scott) Zimmerman, Eric Peters, Kyle (Diana) Nielsen, Addison Nielsen, 9 adorable great-grandchildren, and his sister, Marilyn Peterson, West Des Moines, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will begin at 1 PM, followed by funeral at 2 PM, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Burial with military honors will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery after the service.
Memorials may be made to: Youth Homes of Mid-America or to Men’s Garden Club of America/The Gardeners of America.
He graduated from North High School in 1950, and attended Drake University for 2 years. He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War. He joined the Air National Guard in 1953 working as Personal Management Superintendent, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the ANG Silver Squadron and a life member of Men’s Garden Club of America/The Gardeners of America.
In 1953, he married Carol Bjork and they were blessed with 5 wonderful children: Kirk (Mary) Donovan, Poncha Springs, CO; Scott (Cherie) Donovan, Pleasant Hill, IA; Diane (Mike) Peters, Urbandale, IA; Jeanine (Terry) Nielsen, Des Moines, IA; Kathleen (Brian) Potts, Albuquerque, NM.
He is also survived by his loving wife of 65 years, 8 exceptional grandchildren: Rachel (Joel) Wise, Jessica (Jon) Graeser, Luke (Naomi) Donovan, Chelsea Donovan, Stephanie (Scott) Zimmerman, Eric Peters, Kyle (Diana) Nielsen, Addison Nielsen, 9 adorable great-grandchildren, and his sister, Marilyn Peterson, West Des Moines, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will begin at 1 PM, followed by funeral at 2 PM, Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Burial with military honors will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery after the service.
Memorials may be made to: Youth Homes of Mid-America or to Men’s Garden Club of America/The Gardeners of America.
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2018.04.26
playing catch
Dad.. I just wanted to tell you thank you for all the hours and time you invested in me playing catch with me when I was in little league. Not only did it help make me a good pitcher, but it was a time when it was just the 2 of us together, in our own little world. When I think back on my life, that is a major memory for me - you invested yourself in me - your time and energy - truly special to me. It's something that has made such a big imprint on me. I intentionally did the same thing for my grandsons. Nothing is more precious than the time spent with my father. Thank you for teaching me this priceless lesson. Love, Scott
Posted by scott d
on 04/26/2018