James Michael Donovan

James Michael Donovan, 83, of Littleton, CO, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024 having suffered with Alzheimer’s disease.

Jim was born in New York City on October 9, 1940 to Philip and Catherine Donovan; was baptized at Holy Name Catholic Church October 27, 1940; received his first communion at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and was confirmed there in 1957.

After graduating from Power Memorial High School in 1958, he attended Manhattan College where he ran track, sang in the glee club, was president of the International Relations Club, was a member of Alpha Sigma Beta fraternity and was founder of Young Americans for Freedom at Manhattan. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History in 1962.

He then served and attained the rank of Lieutenant in the United States Navy. After flight school, Jim was assigned to Squadron VAW12 as a naval aviator of the E-1B Tracer, flying off of the carrier USS Independence, which took him throughout the Mediterranean, around the southern tip of Africa, through Scandinavia into the arctic circle on a NATO cruise, as well as numerous missions during the Vietnam War. His exemplary service earned him the Navy Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service, Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement for Aerial Flight, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After his military service to his country, Jim launched an admirable, 30 year career as a commercial pilot with United Airlines, retiring as a Captain in 1997.

While based in Norfolk, VA, Jim met Jude while she was in nursing school and they married in 1966. Jim is survived by Judith, his dearly beloved wife of 58 years; their three children, Julie Donovan Knabenshue (Jeffrey), Mark David Donovan (Heather), and Kathryn Donovan Topolnicki (David); grandchildren Lyndsey Knabenshue Weyker (Joshua); Brooke Knabenshue Brown (Ethan); Thomas Lyndon, Kathryn Grace and Bethany Marie Donovan; Owen Wade and Joslyn Jane Topolnicki; and great grandchildren Madelyn Aven Brown and his namesake, Chase Donovan Weyker.

Jim will be remembered for his patriotism; his love and vast breadth of knowledge of military history, current events, and politics; he was an avid collector of military, maritime, and aviation memorabilia; Jim was an enthusiastic story teller, who enjoyed friends and family. He recorded the wonderful events and travels of the family through a lifetime of photos. He was a lifelong servant of God who looked forward to spending his eternity at the table of the Lord.

Viewing will be 9-10AM with a Funeral Service at 10AM on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1701 W. Caley Avenue, Littleton CO 80120. A reception will follow at the church.

Interment will be at 1:30PM on Monday, June 17, 2024 at Ft. Logan National Cemetery with full military honors. Staging Area "B".

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ascension Lutheran Church / Lutherans for Life or Ascension Foundation, where Jim and Jude have been members.

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