James Patrick Donovan

Waynesville - James Patrick Donovan, 89, of Waynesville passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Maggie Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation.  A native of New Jersey, he was the son of the late John and Caroline Christ Donovan. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded by his daughter, Joan “Sissy” Swenson; sister, Mary Alyce and brother, John and daughter-in-law, Arlene.

James was a conductor with Conrail, he retired after 42 years of service.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Margarets of Scotland Catholic Church.  He enjoyed volunteering and helping with the special Olympics.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Joan Szura Donovan; two daughters, Kathleen Deppe and her husband, Robert, and Bernadette Covello and her husband, John; three sons, James Donovan, Jr., Patrick Donovan, and his wife, Patricia and Daniel Donovan; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 A.M. on the Wednesday April 3, 2024 at St. Margarets of Scotland Catholic Church with Rev. Dr. W. Becket Soule, Op officiating

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Ste. B, Waynesville, NC 28786.