SALEM - Mr. James John Donovan, 83 of Salem, beloved husband of the late Anne Marie (Casey) Donovan passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20th, 2025 at Beverly Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late James Sr. and Marie (Cullen) Donovan. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of St. Mary's High School, Lynn.

A Barber by trade, he loved the social interactions he had with his customers, Jimmy worked hard over the years honing his skills and was proud of the service he provided. Jimmy insisted on maintaining his Barber's license even up until the time of his death. Later he was also a bus driver for the Marblehead Athletic program for many years.

Jimmy dedicated his life to his family and his passion for sports, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he knew, coached or loved. His love for sports is what truly defined him. For over 20 years, he coached multiple baseball and basketball teams, including the Salem Senior Babe Ruth League. He tirelessly supported his children and grandchildren in all their athletic pursuits. Whether on the field, the court, or at home he would often draw connections between life's challenges and moments from a game. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be forever remembered for his legacy of love, sport and family and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

As for the Game of life Jimmy played for 83 years, I think we can all say, "Good Game Donovan!"

Surviving Jimmy are his daughters, Patricia Mento and her husband, Joseph of Danvers, Mary Kate Zipper and her husband, Frank of Salem and Colleen Thibodeau and her husband, Michael of Danvers, his grandchildren, Samantha and Thomas Mento, Meaghan and Troy Zipper, Molly, Jack and Jimmy Thibodeau, his siblings, Robert Donovan of FL, William Donovan of SC and Patricia Black of Danvers and several nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late James John Donovan III.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Jimmy's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Friday, January 24th, 2025 at 12 (Noon).  Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 AM to 12 (Noon). To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.