James Campion Donovan, 79, of Gaithersburg, MD, passed away on October 2, 2024. He was born on May 14, 1945 in Floral Park, New York. James dedicated his life to his family and his country. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather known for his kindness and love for the outdoors. He had a passion for golf and fishing, and loved cars, motorcycles, and achieving his pilot license. In retirement he most enjoyed cruising the high seas with his wife Joan to foreign ports of call.

He lived his early childhood years in BelleRose, New York attending Split Rock Elementary School. He spent his formative years playing baseball. During his high school years, he lived in Syosset, Long Island, New York attending Archbishop Molloy High School which required him to take the Long Island Railway into Queens. James later pursued his higher education at Eastern New Mexico University in Clovis, New Mexico. His commitment to service was evident through his time in the U.S. Army, where he served from July 1970 to February 1972, stationed near Frankfurt, Germany. He continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve until July of 1982.

Professionally, James was a long-time employee of Hughes Network Systems, where he was respected for his diligence and expertise. He traveled the world, supervising the installation of high-speed network systems for the Department of Defense.

Mr. Donovan is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Joan (Lauer) Donovan; his children, Tracy Ann McElroy (son-in-law Tim) Timothy James Donovan (daughter-in-law, Lori); sister, Angela Koke; and grandchildren, James and Daniel McElroy, and Colin and Ethan Donovan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Genevieve Donovan; his sister, Genevieve Fagan; and his first wife, Carol Armstrong.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Molesworth-Williams Funeral Home, 26401 Ridge Rd, Damascus, MD. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 9250E Damascus Rd, Damascus, MD. A Celebration of His Life Reception will follow the funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers please support the MCPS Educational Foundation.  Please make a memo notation for the “Toolkits Project”.

Mail to:

MCPS Educational Foundation

c/o Toolkits Project

13 Hilton Court

Gaithersburg, MD 20882

Online condolences may be shared with his family on our website at www.molesworthwilliams.com