James R. Donovan

James R. Donovan, 71, of Dartmouth, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with leukemia. Jim was the beloved husband of Kathleen (Montagano) Donovan.

Jim was born and raised in New Bedford and graduated from New Bedford High School. He was interested in sports journalism and took some courses at Bristol Community College. He worked in sales at Frito-Lay for 33 years and retired in 2014.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing golf, taking trips to the casinos, and serving the community as a dedicated member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his sons, Matthew Donovan (Allison) of Raynham and Ryan Donovan (Vanessa) of Dartmouth; his grandchildren, Charlotte, Connor, and Meghan; his sisters, Margaret Donovan of Somerset and Kathleen Mello of Fall River; his brothers, Stephen Donovan (Susan) of Yarmouth, and Daniel Donovan (Eleanor) of Freetown; his sisters-in-law Ann (Montagano) Teixeira (Joseph) of Fairhaven, Karen (St. Pierre) Bentley (Brian) and Renee (St. Pierre) Silva (Steven) of Fall River; his brother-in-law Robert Montagano of Naples, FL, many nieces and nephews, and other family and friends who will miss him tremendously. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Barbara (Dowd) Donovan, his first wife, Debra (St. Pierre) Donovan, and his brother-in-law, Steven St. Pierre (Anne).

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 14th at 10 am from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 am at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St, New Bedford. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Monday April 13th from 4-8 PM. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Jim to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift or consider a donation of blood or platelets to the Kraft Family Blood Donor Center (Jimmy Fund Building), 35 Binney Street, Boston or the center of your choice.